In September, nearly 2 years on from my own stage 4 cancer diagnosis, I am planning to take part in the "Tour de 4", Sir Chris Hoy's fundraising and cancer awareness cycle event in Scotland. Currently I in 2 of us will have direct experience of cancer and I want to raise as much money as I can to help Cancer Research UK develop new treatments to save and prolong lives. Please read my story and help by donating.

Thank you for reading this. I know that many people, including myself, have been inspired by Sir Chris Hoy's openness and positivity about his own Stage 4 cancer diagnosis. As soon as he announced the 'Tour de 4' I wanted to take part, although at that time I was unable to cycle, or even to walk without the help of two hiking poles! Now that that particularly nasty twist in my 'cancer journey' (there have been others) is behind me I am feeling well and have recently started cycling again for the first time since September 2023. It is so welcome and uplifting!

Personally I have been massively impacted by cancer at both ends of my life. When I was ten years old my mum (a single parent) died of ovarian cancer and three years ago, as many of you will know, my 32 year-old son Joe died suddenly from a GIST, a very rare form of cancer. Of course I want to see more research!

CRUK's website shows their huge contribution to developing new and improved treatments over many years. For example, 8 out of 10 NHS cancer patients having chemotherapy will be given drugs developed by or with CRUK.

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org

Surely we would all like to see further research into treatments that can prolong and save lives and limit the distress caused to so very many families by this horrible disease. So dear friends and family please contribute - all donations are welcome, however small. This is for all of us.