Probably everybody who knows me knows that my partner Jon was diagnosed with a type of lymphoma. It’s not all been plain sailing by any means, bad reactions to some chemotherapy, lots of days when he felt awful, but we’re in a really good place at the moment and we’re grateful for that. It’s not something that can be cured but managed with ongoing chemotherapy. What fewer people, perhaps, know is that my absolutely lovely little sister, Claire, is going through tough times with cancer. My dad also had cancer. This doesn’t make me unique as so many of us will have been touched by cancer.

However, one of the things that’s brought considerable joy to our lives has always been cycling. I love my bicycle nearly as much as I love him! At the beginning it was short and slow rides and then gradually bigger and more adventurous ones that felt a bit like the pre-diagnosis rides. Cycling and café stops and being outside are fundamental to both of us feeling like his diagnosis is just a small part of our lives. His birthday treat this year was three days of cycling in the Lake District.

Apart from being cyclists, we watch cycling and one of our heroes is Sir Chris Hoy. When he announced his diagnosis, we were both shaken, remembering the shattering effect Jon’s and Claire's diagnoses had on us and our family; we felt for him and his family.

In September we are joining Chris Hoy’s Tour de 4 and cycling 60 km to raise money for Charity. It’s not a huge distance compared to what some folks do but it’s enough!

Both Jon and I are raising money for Cancer Research UK.

I find it awkward to ask but if you are able to sponsor me that would be fabulous. Any amount, big or small, will be wonderful. Please feel free to share with other people. I'm going to match the money I raise (at least to £200).