Four years ago I was diagnosed with Stage 4 oral cancer after spotting a small carcinoma on my gum. The cancer was aggressive but, thanks to early diagnosis, I was admitted for (pretty radical) surgery pretty quickly. Part of my lower jaw was removed and then rebuilt with bone and tissue from my leg. After some months recovering I then began 6 weeks of radiotherapy.

For over 20 years I had worked as an event and TV commentator on cycling events, including some of Sir Chris Hoy's Track World Cups, the UCI MTB World Cup in Fort William and London 2012. I even had Chris join me as a co-commentator for the Revolution Series.

Watching the delayed Tokyo Olympic cycling got me through long, tedious days in hospital. Cycling got me through months of rehabilitation, with the ultimate goal of commentating at the Glasgow 2023 World Cycling Championships as my swansong in my 25th year of talking about bikes. I did it, with my last race on the mic culminating with me calling Tom Pidcock over the line to win the Rainbow Jersey!

I want to help people see that a S4 diagnosis doesn't have to be the end, rather the start of a different path. I want to celebrate the sport that has given me so much, and I want you to join me in supporting a good cause and raise money for The Swallows Head & Neck Cancer Charity. Your contribution will make an impact, whether you donate a lot or a little. Anything helps. Thank you for your support.