On the 31st August 2024 we will attempt the challenge of completing the Tour Des Stations Ultrafondo - a 242km bike race around the Valaisan Alps in Switzerland. The race will see us climb the equivalent of Mount Everest (8848m) over 11 mountains, all in one day and it is widely regarded as one of the hardest one day road cycling events in the world. To put this is perspective, cycling climbing legend, Alberto Contador, failed to complete this exact event a few years ago!

But why would we attempt something so ridiculous?

That's a good question, and one we've probably both asked ourselves many times since we signed on the dotted line and during the countless hours of training we have already completed. But we do have one very special reason - to raise money for the Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) Trust in honour of our late mother in law, Helen, who sadly passed in 2016 having battled MSA for 5 years.

MSA is a progressive neurological disorder caused by degeneration of nerve cells in the brain. MSA is a cruel disease, slowly taking away people’s control of basic bodily functions that we all take for granted; of their ability to live independently and ultimately, of their lives.

MSA robbed Helen of many years of her life and of many moments that she would have cherished, seeing her daughters marry and meeting her grandchildren. It also took a much loved mother, daughter, sister and friend.

There is no known cure for MSA.

The MSA Trust works to support those with MSA and their families and to fund vital research into both the cause and potential cures for MSA. It is funded entirely by donations, and they were a huge support to the family during Helen’s illness. It is a charity very close to our hearts and great reason to put ourselves through the suffering this event will entail!

Anything that you can offer to support our quest to raise as much money for this important and special cause will make a real difference. In return we will endeavour to give our all to complete this epic challenge.