Jamie's Tour De 4 Fundraiser in memory of Mia

As many of you will know, this year our family's lives were impacted in the worst way by cancer, with my niece Mia tragically passing away at the age of just 5 due to leukaemia.

Leukaemia has been one of the great triumphs of cancer treatment, with survival rates increasing from 20% in the 1960s to over 80% today. However there are still genetically complex forms that are very, very challenging to treat. And 1 in 5 children dying is still a very stark statistic to face on diagnosis. It would be wonderful if a cure could be found so that every child could embrace the future they deserve.

The care and support my niece received was amazing as she underwent her complex courses of treatment, including a bone marrow transplant. From the discussions Ruth and Ronan (her parents), had with medical staff it is apparent successful treatments for these complex forms of leukaemia are so close. I've chosen the Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group as it delivers both care and support for children living with cancer and the research to ensure everyone can be cured.

In Mia's memory I will be riding in Sir Chris Hoy's Tour de Four charity ride this September in Glasgow and Ride the North in Angus this weekend. The Glasgow ride is 91km, whilst the Angus route is a hilly 110km. My level of training and preparation has been dismal so it's going to be a battle!

I'd love you to raise £1000 for this charity - and I will match all donations up to this level.

Thanks for every donation – from first hand experience this year we know that charities like this really make a difference.