My friend Chris was a man who lived life to the full and challenged himself everyday. In everything he did, he gave his all and never stopped striving to be better - at work, in his fitness challenges, in his relationships and friendships. Although his life was far too short, Chris made the most of every moment.

I can think of no better way to pay tribute to our incredible friend than for 29 of us to complete the hardest physical challenge of our lives together.

I am not a natural cyclist, in fact I haven't cycled for years, so training for this 56 miles has been gruelling, but I am determined to put my all into this challenge, and any moment I feel discouraged by pain or exhaustion (or driving sleet and galeforce winds!) I remember how Chris never let hard work get in the way of achieving whatever he put his mind to and I feel new motivation to better myself.

I will be completing the ride in support of the Great North Air Ambulance, who battled so valiently to save Chris when he fell in the Lake District while out walking with his fiance Gar-Ling. The GNAA are funded only by donations and run by volunteers, yet they provide a vitally important rescue service.

Whether you are donating in memory of Chris, in support of the challenge I have set myself, or for such a worthy cause, thank you so much for whatever you can give, it means so much to me.  

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.