In 2014, my mum was diagnosed with throat and neck cancer. She was an active lady, who exercised and ran around after her family. To have this diagnosis was very shocking and upsetting. She went through numerous treatments of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. She couldn’t eat and was very poorly. She fought and has come through it, but it was a tough battle for her.

At the same time, we were also dealing with my mother in law’s diagnosis, she was having chemotherapy in Maidstone Hospital for ovarian cancer. She fought so hard for three years, but lost her fight in October 2014.

I have had friends, clients and extended family that have been treated by the Oncology Department. They provide such an amazing service for patients who need that extra special care and attention. Following my experiences with my mum we found every department to be exceptional and I feel so blessed that we have this Oncology Department in Maidstone Hospital. They provide not only specialist care but the emotional support that each individual needs.

This is why I wanted to raise money for our local hospital. At present they desperately need Cold Cap Machines, which are £10,000 each. Scalp cooling reduces the temperature of the scalp, this makes the blood vessels in your scalp smaller and reduces the blood flow to the scalp. This can stop chemotherapy drugs from affecting hair follicles and may help reduce hair loss.

I know £10,000 is a lot to ask for, but lets see how much money we can raise.

So my challenge is to cycle 400km from Vietnam to Cambodia over 7 days, finishing at Angor Wat.

I hadn’t ridden a bike since I was 14, but I have been training hard and just completed the 89km London to Brighton.

Thank you for your donation.

Nicola x