My Tour De 4 Fundraiser to Fight Cancer

Milestones...we hear about them all the time. But for me, as someone diagnosed with Stage 4 bowel cancer five years ago, milestones can feel particularly significant.

This September marks five years since I was rushed into A&E with stomach pains, leading to an emergency operation where a third of my large intestine was removed. A week later it was confirmed I had Bowel Cancer.

Every September is a reminder of the precariousness of life, and I've learned to look for ways to celebrate these milestones positively, whether in small, personal ways or, this year, in a much noisier one.

My diagnosis suggested that reaching five years would be incredibly difficult, but here I am, and I'm not alone. I know others who are living 10+ years with a Stage 4 diagnosis, proving that things are changing. People are living longer, more meaningful lives with cancer. That's the message I want to amplify with my participation in Tour de 4.

When I heard Sir Chris Hoy's story, his mindset about living with Stage 4 cancer really resonated with me. I wanted to support his vision to bring the community together and challenge misconceptions about what living with a Stage 4 diagnosis looks like. While early chemotherapy has left me with neuropathy in my feet, preventing me from doing the full cycle, I've signed up for the fixed Yellow Ride inside the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome. I'll be giving it my all, and my family and I will be heading to Scotland to make a memorable weekend of it.

By participating, I want to change the perspective people have of those with a Stage 4 diagnosis. I want to show that people with cancer are people too. They can challenge their diagnoses, continue to live meaningful lives, and contribute to society. I also want to raise vital funds for cancer charities across the UK, who are doing amazing work providing support and funding medical research. The goal of the event is to raise £1 million for these charities.

If you can support my Tour de 4 - every contribution is appreciated.