In May 2018 a team of us from The University of Aberdeen are riding the North Coast 500 to raise money for a new world-class centre for cancer research. The North Coast 500 is a route around the far north of Scotland through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world – a  ride of over 500 miles with 33,000ft uphill!

We are all aware of cancer…. been touched by it….. My mum was diagnosed with breast cancer 33 years ago, a disease that then had a 50% chance of killing you. Sadly my mum was one of the unlucky ones, dying at 43 years old. I have always been mindful of breast cancer, with genetic links. At 49 years old I got the dreaded diagnosis. As I contemplated and feared death my breast consultant, Professor Steve Heys, reminded me of the success of research – my chances of survival now at 91%. What amazing progress. But lots more research to be conducted. Treatments to achieve these success rates can be brutal, and for many cancers the statistics are not so good. At a personal level, post a cancer diagnosis and treatment it’s wonderful to be out in the elements enjoying the training (most of the time!) with a personal challenge. Three years post diagnosis what better way to celebrate! 

The challenge starts Saturday 19th May and finishes Sunday 27th May. Please support us - all contributions are invaluable.

Thanks XXX