My beautiful friend Julia was cared for by the remarkable staff at Wheatfields Hospice.

When she was staying there, she held her hand out to me and said "Pinch me, I feel like I'm in heaven."

The staff were thoughtful, caring, diligent and so sensitive to her and her loved ones' needs.

Throughout August 2023, I'll be undertaking a series of challenges to raise money for Wheatfields Hospice, so that other people can receive the same wonderful care.

I'm going to be cycling 50 miles, each week of August. I'll be doing the ride on the exercise bike in the gym. I'll be giving up alcohol for the month and also writing poems about people, pets, hobbies and things that were dear to Julia.

Julia was a fantastic friend. She was brave, stoic, funny, intelligent, thoughtful and endlessly generous. I miss her terribly.

If you can spare a few pounds, that would be brilliant. I know times are hard at the moment for everyone, so if you can't contribute, don't worry. Just take a moment to remember Julia, an amazing person and friend to many.