I have (stupidly) decided to take on one the most difficult physical challenges I have ever embarked upon by entering La Marmotte 2013.

La Marmotte is an annual, one-day cyclosportive event covering a distance of 174 km (108 mi) and with 5,180 m (16,990 ft) of climbing. The route is considered to be one of the hardest of any cyclosportive and comparable to any of the most challenging high mountain stages of the Tour de France. Several famous Tour de France mountains feature; the Col du Glandon, Col du Telegraphe, Col du Galibier and the final ascent of one of the legendary Alpe d'Huez.

You may well ask why am I doing this. Well unfortunately I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2008. I know from speaking with people since my diagnosis it made me realise how many people know very little/anything about the illness. It is basically an illness that affects the central nervous system which can lead to permanent disability. At present there is no cure for the disease but treatments are available to reduce the symptoms of the illness.

I am fortunate enough (and hopefully fit enough) to take on this challenge, but many of the other patients I see when I go for treatment at hospital suffer quite badly with the illness. I hope by taking on challenges such as this, any money raised will go some way to helping those people less fortunate then myself.

If you are in a position to donate towards this fantastic cause then that would be greatly appreciated - every donation, no matter how small, will help!

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So please dig deep and donate now.