Jayne and I met through running about ten years ago after I joined Kenilworth running club and Jayne has been really supportive of the Run Warwick group I set up around 5 years ago. Both of us also enjoy cycling, although I am still very new to it all and I've only taken part in one previous charity cycle event, which was in fact The Shakespeare Hospice friendly ride back in 2012. The road bike has only recently been brought out of hibernation!

I am reluctant to ask for fundraising normally as people know I enjoy participating in many running events across the year. However, entering the 100km Great Shakespeare Ride is a massive challenge for me, having only done rides of up to (recently) 30 miles or so. I was originally "only" going to do the 50km, but a certain person said that probably wasn't challenging enough for me(!)

Jayne is taking on an even more epic ride challenge, from London to Paris, covering nearly 400km in 4 days! Jayne is a formidable, competitive athlete and similar to myself this is new wheel mileage territory. We both joked on a recent organised cycle event that we are both completely useless when it comes to bike mechanics and just pray someone will come to our aid if we get a puncture! We are certainly enjoying checking out cycling shops and buying new gear though!

I started working for The Shakespeare Hospice earlier this year and it really is a very special place doing very remarkable things. It really is inspiring when you visit the day hospice, which such a happy and vibrant place. The hospice garden is a beautiful sanctuary of calm and the diversion therapy area is full of beautiful arts and crafts created by patients. There are also several different complementary therapies available including reiki as well as occupational therapy and physiotherapy.

The families are so thankful for the tireless work of the hospice staff, particularly the nurses who operate a 24/7 Hospice at Home service. I recently sat with a nurse and we went through endless thank you notes from families for the compassion, support and kindness shown.. it really was very humbling.

The hospice only receives 7% funding from the NHS each year, which is among the lowest in the Country as far as contributions go. The fundraising team have a big challenge ahead to continue to raise money through the events that run across the year to make up the difference. This is why, for me, it makes sense to try and help as much as I can.

It would be fantastic if you can donate anything to this fantastic hospice. The services and support are there for patients living with a life-limiting illness and their families and covers a huge area from South Warwickshire to the North Cotswolds. Patients can be referred from a GP or self-refer. There is counselling and bereavement support, and support for young carers and young people facing a loss.

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.