As many of you will know my parents took part in their first Macmillan Cycling Challenge two years ago in Peru. It was a great achievement and I was extremely proud of them both. Earlier this year they had decided to take on another fundraising challenge, China Cycle Challenge 2008. However, unfortunately due to ill health my Mother can no longer take part in this event and she is bitterly disappointed. This however means that I will be taking her place!

So, after months of training and fundraising between 17th and 28th September 2008, my Father and I will be joining around 60 people to cycle through China as part of Macmillan Cancer Support's China Cycling Challenge. Starting from the Fortress in Yulin, a large town south of theGobiDesert, we will be cycling for 6.5 consecutive days and covering 680km, ending up in Xian, home of the Terracotta Warriors.

It promises to be an extremely testing physical challenge, cycling over undulating countryside and in all weathers. We know the event, and the months of preparation and training, will be tough but we are doing this in order to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support (reg charity no 261 017).

Each and every day 739 people in the UK are told they have cancer, more than one million people have had a cancer diagnosis, and more than one in three will be diagnosed at some time in their life. As well as taking action today to support people from the moment they suspect they have cancer, Macmillan are shaping the future of cancer care. Their increasing range of services, including Macmillan nurses, doctors and other health and social care professionals, cancer care centres, a range of cancer information, practical help at home and help with money, is funded entirely through the generosity of their supporters. Thanks to the support they receive, Macmillan provides the practical and emotional support which makes a real difference to people living with cancer today -and tomorrow.

We have to raise a minimum of £3,200 each to take part in the event and as we will be financing our own expenses ALL the money raised will benefit Macmillan Cancer Support. I hope that you will consider sponsoring me in my challenge, which I am aware is a very minor one compared with the challenge that cancer patients face each day.

Thank you for visiting my fundraising page. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Macmillan Cancer Support will receive your money faster and, if you are a taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

So please sponsor me now!

Many thanks for your support.

Helen