This year, after turning 62, I continued to be a part of the NHS Bowel Screening Programme; as part of a routine check-up, several polyps were discovered that needed investigating further.

Following several consultations with the excellent staff at the Sunderland Royal Hospital Endoscopy Unit, it was decided that these 'lumps' should be removed. As a result, I underwent two procedures to have this done, receiving the 'all clear' in June.

In order to say, "Thank you", to the dedicated, professional and compassionate staff in the Endoscopy Unit, I am undertaking a 720-mile round-trip bike ride from Sunderland to Saffron Walden to raise funds and awareness for the unit's often-overlooked but essential work. A long-time family friend has recently moved to Saffron Walden, in Essex, and has offered me a room for the night at the furthest point of my journey. I will be staying at various locations en route (at my own expense) during the course of the ride.

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