Artie and Mathilde - Charity Bike Ride - MSF in Gaza.

October 10th last year, my dad died of prostate cancer, 15 years after initial diagnosis. Followed by a diagnosis of lung cancer, 2 significant brain injuries, fractured hip, broken shoulder and dementia. He required a huge amount of medical care and support, but managed to live fairly well and independently until 3 months before his death, the day before his 74th birthday. Typical Terry Woods style!

Me and the kids talked about doing a charity bike ride for cancer charities, but now with the situation in Palestine, we are going to do it, in memory of my dad, but for MSF (Medicins Sans Frontieres/ Doctors Without Borders) who are on the ground providing hands on medical care and support to the sick, injured, pregnant , young,old, vulnerable, displaced and traumatised families locally.

MSF have been forced to leave patients in hospitals by Israeli forces, work in hospitals that are being bombed, have witnessed other most horrific crimes and abuses against innocent civilians, and the medical staff remain present, working to do all they can to maintain safe and effective medical care under the most horrific circumstances. Care that my dad was lucky enough to receive, without hesitation, without question, in a clean safe environment, and then in a nursing home with palliative care input to ensure a comfortable end.

I cannot imagine the pain, fear and frustration when unable to access any of that care, or threats of bombings and shootings when lodged in hospital, already fearful for a loved ones well-being, or access basic healthcare and vaccinations for a newborn baby.

Myself, Graham and more importantly, the stars of the show - Artie (9) and Mathilde (7) will be cycling 75 miles (the age my dad would be this year) over a month, with the funds going to MSF, who are maintaining their presence in Gaza and who are more needed than ever.

We will track and show our mileage and progress, and hope anyone reading can give anything they can spare (remember gift aid if you pay tax!)

thank you for reading, and check out MSF info on their website and what they do - amazing work all over the world.

Want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money to benefit Médecins Sans Frontières UK, and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

More information about Médecins Sans Frontières UK: Medecins Sans Frontieres/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is an independent emergency medical aid organisation. MSF provides relief to the victims of war, natural disasters and epidemics irrespective of gender, race, creed, religion or political convictions in more than 70 countries across the globe. Money donated through PayPal Giving will go into MSF General Funds and is not restricted by country. If you are donating as a corporate entity, please contact us before making your gift– [email redacted].org