As most of you know 3 yrs ago in May I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and in June 2002 I had a mastectomy followed by a course of radiotherapy and I've got a remaining two years of tamoxifen tablets to go.

I've always promised myself that once I felt properly better and fit again I would do something in return for having my life saved by the medical profession and my caring family and friends.

This was never going to be a challenge which I felt "oh yes I can definitely do that". It was always going to have to be something which says to me "I wonder if I really will be able to do that?" A challenge which involves maximum effort, determination and will cause me concern along the way as I face the risk of failure or as my 'little' brother would say, you mean Vicky "a meaty challenge with no foregone conclusions!"

As usual Andy's been persuaded not only to do this race with me but also part with the substantial cost of team entry fees, flights and accommodation.

Needless to say we are now both entered for the "Transalp" along with 499 other teams of mainly professional younger riders for what promises to be the most gruelling but fun (?) race of our lives. The best way of describing it is to explain that it is the mountain biking equivalent of the Tour de France. It entails 8 consecutive days or 'stages' of racing across the German, Austrian and Italian Alps. The race covers a distance of 740 km, on all types of surface, with 22,500 metres of ascent (ie. more than twice the height of Everest or 10,000 ft up and down per day! Or for those of you who are local to us, it's like cycling from Macc station to the Cat and Fiddle there and back seven times each day off road.) If you would like to know more about the race then check out the web site www.transalpchallenge.com/en/ the video is quite good. If you would like to sponsor us then we would appreciate you using this web site and paying online just click on 'Sponsor me now' or 'Pay on completion' (see above.) Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure with the money going directly to Cancer Research UK. If you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you. This method will be less hassle, and I believe that we will attract more sponsorship this way. If you are able to forward this web page to any of your friends or family who you feel may be willing to sponsor us then that would be great (just click on 'tell a friend', see above) The more money pledged the greater the incentive for Andy and I to get up the next big climb! Many thanks for your support. Vicky and Andy Thornton