I am cycling the epic journey from Toulouse to Barcelona to raise vital funds for Deutsche Bank's Charities of the Year, Cure Leukaemia and Rays of Sunshine.

Cure Leukaemia is particularly close to my heart, as they research new treatments for a horrible disease which kills many people of all ages, including my sister Liz, when she was 33. the strain of leukaemia she has was 100% fatal. At the time she was the person to survive the longest post-diagnosis with that particular strain of leukaemia (a little over 11 months). This was in part due to her indomitable will to live, but also in part to new treatments made possible by charities such as Cure Leukaemia.

I cycled for the same charities last year too, they are both amazingly good causes. This year I cycle again for my sister, but also in memory of my Mum and my uncle Chris, who both gave very generously to last years sponsorship, but both also passed away in the first part of 2019.

The ride is 475km over 4 days. The first day is 110-120 km of gentle climb from Toulouse up to the foothills of the Pyreness (Aux-les-Thermes). Day two is a little shorter, about 110 km, starting with a 27 km continuous ascent, climbing 1.2 vertical km to the first peak. A further 600m vertical ascent comes a short while later in the day. Day three is a similar distance to day one with still plenty of hills Day four is blissfully largely flat. By this time I think most of us will be seeing mirages of the Barcelona with every turn of the pedals!

I have been training diligently, to minimize the amount of tears that join the sweat running down my face, but I'm sure I will still suffer! Please make the pain worthwhile, with a small donation :)