In February my brother Nigel died of cancer at the age of 54. He had lived with non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma for over 25 years and as a still very fit and active man, in June last year he took part in the British Heart Foundation London-Brighton Bike Ride, (and completed the ride, including all the hills, well before his fellow team members!).

Very shortly after this he was diagnosed with secondary cancers from a melanoma he had suffered from some years ago, and although we had some lovely, quality time with him, (including my own first bike ride for many years!), his condition deteriorated very quickly after Christmas and he spent the last week of his life under the amazing care provided by The Marie Curie Hospice in Newcastle.

Throughout his life, from his early days as a professional footballer, then as a Maths teacher, Nigel was a caring and compassionate person, and had been a much-loved husband, father and cherished member of my family and we are doing this ride in his memory. I don't expect to ride up all of the hills like he did but am really looking forward to completing the ride with other members of my family and the training is doing me the world of good!!

And now I've had to increase my target to £800 because of the fantastic support. Nigel would be amazed!

People's generosity and desire to support a good cause have been overwhelming. The ride is this coming Sunday and I am now increasing my target to an unbelievable £1000. Every last donation will get me to the end and will help others in the way Nigel and our family were supported by Marie Curie.