Thanks so much for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. I am fundraising in aid of the cancer research programme at the University of Aberdeen, which is raising £4.5 million to develop new ways to diagnose and treat cancer and - crucially - learn how to prevent it.  The programme will also enable more cancer patients in the North of Scotland to take part in clinical trials - giving access to the latest drugs and therapies - and will help attract the very best researchers, doctors, surgeons and healthcare staff to Aberdeen.

From 19-27 May, I will be joining Professor Steve Heys (breast cancer surgeon and leader of the cancer research programme) and 20 University colleagues to cycle the North Coast 500. We'll be cycling 516 miles around the North of Scotland, including the infamous Bealach na Ba - the UK's steepest road climb. 

It's going to be a huge challenge for me. Cycling 50-70 hilly miles a day for nine consecutive days is way beyond anything I've attempted before. I'm worried about whether my legs and lungs will be up to it, whether my knees will play up, whether I'll be able to make enough time to train, and then there's the wind, the rain, the midges.... 

To help me get fit, I've also signed up to run the 10K race at Run Balmoral in April - for the same cause - so this fundraising page is actually for both events.

I'd love it if you would support my fundraising by giving to cancer research. I'll keep you updated with my training and progress - and with news from the cancer research programme appeal.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Thank you again. This is such an important cause and I'm truly grateful for your support.