I love cycling and it has always been a part of my life….well, from 7 years old anyway. It brought me to school and Uni in my early days and now brings me to work. Cycling helps me to keep a healthy state of mind and is also fun!

Like many of us, cancer has affected me. Due to my age, this unfortunately has been true for far too many close relationships, but thankfully usually not too young. In 2016, I lost my dad to cancer of the bladder.

Throughout my life, I have always had a deep attachment with the sea and find it therapeutic and healing. I loved playing in rock pools as a child, especially on the White Strand in my Dad’s home county Clare, in the west of Ireland. My love of playing in rock pools led me to becoming a Marine Ecologist.

My partner works for the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust. I have been touched by the stories of the many young people that the charity has helped and appreciate how the shared experience of sailing and adventure can be both challenging and fun, and aid healing and confidence. I would encourage anyone reading this to read some of the young people’s amazing stories here: https://www.ellenmacarthurcancertrust.org/why-we-matter/stories/ 

Now, to celebrate my 50th year on planet earth, I thought that I would do something fun and challenging to help this very special charity.

Instead of birthday presents this year, I am asking friends, family and colleagues at Fugro to support the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust by sponsoring my cycle from John O'Groats to Cowes, including a team of 12 riders from the Trust's base in Largs, Scotland, to its headquarters in Cowes, Isle of Wight. We will also be joined by 10 different day riders on each leg. All donations will help young people, from across the UK, to rebuild their confidence after cancer. THANK YOU 😊