This year I've signed up to 2 big challenges and hope to raise as much money as I can to combat cancer along the way:

In April I ran the London Marathon and in September, alongside my friend Rachel, I'll be cycling 240 miles from London to Paris over 3 days.

I'm fundraising for 3 women's cancer charities - any sponsorship would be hugely appreciated. If my efforts and the money raised can do something to help others in the future then every blister, aching muscle and bike related injury (I've still not mastered unclipping) will be worth it.

In 2007 cervical screening (a smear test) saved my life.  The abnormalities detected during screening turned out to be cervical cancer and its early detection meant that after 2 simple operations and brilliant care from the NHS I was cancer free.   If I'd delayed, or worse, never scheduled that smear test it could have been a very different outcome.   

My case was unusual, 75% of cervical cancers can be prevented by screening through the detection of abnormal cells before they ever become cancerous.  ALWAYS book in when you get that letter, its not pleasant but it might save your life.   

Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust          

Jo's trust was set up by James Maxwell after his wife Jo passed
away from cervical cancer. It was Jo’s wish that every woman affected by cervical cancer could get the support and information they needed.  The charity provides information and emotional & practical support and also campaigns for cervical cancer prevention.  https://www.jostrust.org.uk/

Breast Cancer Care

1 in 8 women will get breast cancer in their lifetime. That’s one person every 10 minutes.  Too many women, my family and my friends, have had to battle breast cancer and continue to live with it's effects.  Thinking of these women spurs me on in training and will help me cover the miles in London in April and the hilly countryside over 3 days in September. Breast Cancer Care is an amazing charity providing specialist nurses, locals services and an emotional support network to people affected by breast cancer.   https://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/

Ovarian Cancer Action

Ovarian Cancer is the UK’s deadliest gynaecological disease but most
women are unaware of the symptoms.   A woman dies of ovarian cancer every 2 hours – with no reliable screening programme AWARENESS is the best means of early detection.  OCA’s mission is to raise awareness and  fund research to fight this disease.   http://ovarian.org.uk/

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.