In June 2017, my dad and I cycled the London to Brighton to raise money for the British Heart Foundation. Over the years, we had cycled together quite a few times to raise money for charity. The charity cycles started when I was about 14 and we did a 25 mile cycle in Dorset, and included a cycle from Bath to Reading along the towpath to raise money for a volunteering trip I did to Kenya. Whenever I suggested it to him, it was always a yes and it gave us an opportunity to spend time together doing something we both loved. It was a passion and hobby we both shared.

It led to many mornings and afternoons training together doing cycles around Richmond Park, which started again during lockdown when I was living at home and we spent many sunny days exploring London and Surrey.

As most people who will be reading this page will know, my dad died in April last year having been diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in April 2021. During the year from his diagnosis until his last few days, he was treated and offered exceptional care by the nurses & doctors at The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity & hospital.

I organised a walk last May as a memorial walk, to raise money for The Royal Marsden and to provide a chance for us to spend time walking and talking about him so when I saw there was an opportunity to cycle the London to Brighton, it felt a fitting tribute to do something that we loved - I only wish he'd be there to do it with me.

Many people were incredibly generous last year and enabled me to raise an amount of money I couldn’t have imagined. Not only did this give us some comfort at a time when we needed it the most but I do believe that the more money we can raise to fight & research into cancer, the better. I know there are many great causes out there but if you are able to, any donations you can make will help with fighting a disease that sadly affects too many. 

Thank you and wish me luck (it's this weekend!)