We never know what tomorrow will bring. The only thing we really have is...right now.

This year a good friend and much respected colleague of mine was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer. Being so young and with a young family, the news was shocking and heart-breaking. The helplessness that I felt after hearing this news drove me to find something I could do that might make a difference.

Too many of us have either been affected or know someone else who has been affected by cancer, so I have decided to support Cancer Research UK which continues to work on all areas of cancer.

As my colleague was a volunteer for the Samaritans, I would also like to raise money for this charity too, which has an even tougher task in the wake of the mental health problems that have been created by Covid.

Perhaps cycling from Lands End to John o' Groats is a bit of a cliche, but my ageing and crumbling body will have done well if it makes it to the end. Starting on Sunday the 8th August, I will be cycling the route with a close friend. We will be cycling between 70-80 miles a day for two weeks covering approximately 1030 miles - maybe more if we get lost!

If you would like to donate to either cause, please choose the charity that means the most to you. My hope ultimately, is to give each charity a similar amount.

The first link is for Cancer Research UK.

The second link is for Samaritans.

Thank you for your support... keep positive and don't lose hope.