Hi All

As some of you may be aware, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer earlier this year after noticing a lump in my neck. I have subsequently had my thyroid and some lymph nodes in my neck (where the cancer had spread) removed. But as the doctor told me at the time, if there is any cancer to get, this is the one. Once I have had treatment with radioactive iodine (this is scheduled for July) , i am 100% certain I will be cancer free and will make a full recovery and the doctors treating me emphatically agree with this. I had the operation at the start of April and have been gradually been feeling better every day, so much so that I am planning on taking part in a charity cycle from Barcelona to Biarritz from the 21st June. I will explain what the cycle involves below but I plan on completing the cycle or doing as much as my body allows. I had originally signed up to the Ride2Recovery ride with friends before my illness and i’m determined to take part. The Ride2Recovery guys have been very supportive to me throughout this difficult time and are keen for me to raise money for my charity of choosing. I would like to point out that the cause that they are raising for is also very worthwhile and, if you feel inclined, please donate to that cause as well. I have included a link to this if you wish to read more about it.

As you can imagine this whole experience has come as a real shock to me and the reality of being diagnosed with cancer has not been easy to get my head round. I am grateful for the support of my friends, my girlfriend Caroline and my family in the support they have given me throughout this difficult period. The psychological aspect of dealing with my diagnosis has been the hardest part and has been the major factor in choosing Maggie’s to fundraise for. I’m sure anyone who has had cancer or a friend or relative,  has heard of Maggie’s cancer centres and the fantastic support they offer. I have been amazed by the amount of people who have recommended visiting them to have a chat. I have found their online resources and support invaluable and this is the reason I have decided to choose to fundraise for them. 

So what have i signed up for?I will be one of 50 guys cycling 850km over 6 days from Barcelona on the Mediterranean to Biarritz on the Atlantic.  That’s not the tough part…

 

I am cycling the length of the Pyrenees taking on 18,000m of ascent and for half the above distance that means cycling uphill. To put that into further perspective, I am also 45kg (give or take!) heavier than Chris Froome or Bradley Wiggins. Setting off from Barcelona on 21st June, we will arrive in Biarritz 6 days later having taken on some of the famous mountain passes (or Cols) of the Pyrenees. On day 4 alone, I will take on 4 peaks and climb over 4000m including the infamous Col du Tourmalet which is featured this year (and many before) in the Tour De France.

I am fully aware that this route may be a struggle but if the last few months have taught me anything I'm not going to let life pass me by. I can only do what my body allows me but have spoken to the doctors looking after me  and they are happy for me to take part on the proviso that I get in the broom wagon if I'm struggling on any of the days. It is not till something like this happens to you that you appreciate phrase like ‘life is too short’ and ‘make the most of what time you have’ but now these words hold some resonance with me.  I am lucky in that following completion of treatment i will make a full recovery and continue to do the things I love. I hope this inspires you to donate to  a very worthwhile cause and in my opinion a charity that helps people deal with the hardest part of being diagnosed with cancer.