2019 was the first 100 mile event that I had completed. I had planned that 2022 would be my last, but having been inspired by watching the extraordinary events of the London marathon, I have decided to get back on my bike.

I know that I am capable of the distance, but in between those dates I have had knee surgery, got a bit older and taller and generally ridden less. Maybe it's the lack of training on my part that I worry about completing that distance again! It sounds pathetic given the real struggle that other people go through who have been affected by or are suffering with Cancer. It has been 5 years since my Mother passed away and my Aunt very sadly also died of Cancer a couple of weeks ago. We all know people who Cancer has impacted, but not everyone is aware of the help and support available from the likes of Maggie's.

Unfortunately this 100 mile event has come early in the calendar and with the wet and windy weather of the last 2 months, my training has been severely lacking. I now have about 4 weeks, but only a few free opportunities to hit the saddle and try and convince my knees to turn the pedals for 7 hours!

 Maggies is a fantastic charity close to our hearts, set up to support people and families suffering with the effects of cancer, as well as championing quality architecture for their centres.Maggies Centres offer practical and emotional support to people with any type of cancer, at any stage, for free. They receive no government funds and rely on the generosity of their supporters. They focus on the things that really make a difference, such as financial worries, housing, help with managing stress and anxiety as well as side efforts of treatment and they offer family support. They offer this through 1-1 support or group sessions.There are 24 centres in the UK and 4 in London, welcoming 100+ visitors into each centre every day.