”Keep on going”—the words Tadej Pogačar very graciously sent me after I forced myself onto a bike for the first time since being diagnosed with Stage 4 renal cancer.

I could never have imagined that just over 8 months later I would be riding with him in Slovenia. And in possibly the hardest challenge ever devised: Racing cycling’s G.O.A.T. up a mountain (I lost…).

So, how shall I keep on going after the ultimate challenge? Well, go back and try it again of course! But wait, there’s more…

The goal last October was just to finish. I had no idea if I could. I even thought I might come last. But, to my surprise, I finished the 1189m Krvavec climb in just under 83 minutes, only 42 minutes behind Tadej.

But that’s the thing, I finished at 204% of his time. Some would settle and say that is ‘half as good’, but not me. Because it wasn’t.

So this year, even though I’ll be a further nine months into cancer treatment—and the Pogi Challenge will be held at the height of the Slovenian summer—I will travel there and take on the hardest thing I’ve ever done, once again, this time aiming to be at least “half as good” as Tadej Pogačar. Madness, right?!

Pogačar (left) cruising past me (right), during last year’s Pogi Challenge

And… if aiming to be half as good as one of the greatest athletes there’s ever been isn’t enough of a challenge for a Stage 4 cancer patient, a month later I will be heading to Glasgow to ride Sir Chris Hoy’s Tour de 4!

And naturally, I’ll be taking on the toughest ‘Red Route’, which is 96km (56 miles) long.

Now, Scotland in September will likely provide slightly more favourable weather conditions for an Irishman, and the only GOAT to chase will likely be a goat. But, it’s still going to be an epic ride on tough unforgiving terrain.

The Tour de 4 is the cycling event launched by Sir Chris Hoy following his Stage 4 cancer diagnosis. It brings together people living with Stage 4 cancer, alongside friends, families and supporters, to ride side by side and raise vital funds.

The event is about showing that a diagnosis does not define a person, and highlighting what life with Stage 4 cancer can look like: strength, resilience and determination.

All funds raised will go to charities supporting people affected by Stage 4 cancer.

Similarly, Tadej Pogačar and his parents created the Pogi Challenge to support their charity, ‘The Tadej Pogačar Foundation’, which helps young people with cancer in their native Slovenia.

So, despite their star appeal, both events share the same purpose at heart: fighting cancer. And with cancer affecting 1 in 2 of us, this is something we can all get behind.

To use cycling parlance:

Chapeau, Tadej. Chapeau, Chris.

And now, the part that truly matters.

This year, I am incredibly proud to be riding for Maggie’s!

This cause is deeply personal to me.

Since my diagnosis, Maggie’s has been there for me, and my family — offering support, compassion, and a place to turn during the hardest moments. Their centre at the Royal Free Hospital, where I am being treated, has been a source of strength when I’ve needed it most.

So naturally, I want to give something back.

Maggie’s is a cancer care charity that has 27 centres across the UK. The centres are in the grounds of major NHS cancer hospitals and offer people with cancer, and their friends and family, a warm and welcoming place to be.

Each centre offers free and expert support to anyone with any type of cancer, and those around them who are affected. Maggie’s supports people with the emotional, psychological, practical and financial side-effects of cancer. The centres are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, no appointment or referral is needed. People can just come in.

Maggie’s was founded by Maggie Keswick Jencks 30 years ago. While she was living with advanced cancer, Maggie pioneered the belief that people shouldn’t ‘lose the joy of living in the fear of dying’. This continues to be the foundation of what Maggie’s as a charity does today.

And their long term goal is to have a centre at all 60 U.K. major cancer centres, which will include Derry and Belfast!

If you’re able to donate or share, I’d be incredibly grateful. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps provide vital support and care. And most importantly, helps inspire Stage 4 cancer patients to “Keep on going”. Because we can, and, with that joy Maggie wished for… we WILL!