January 18th 2020, Ann passed away.

Nikki was by Ann’s side from the start of this journey which she took many positives from Laughing and crying but to just be able to spend that time meant the world to Nikki. She made many a great memories, which we talk about now a lot. The healing has begun and the boys and I know it’s a very long road. The support from Macmillan has been amazing and helpful in so many ways.

The story below is how this all came about.

The second week of August (2019) last year we found out Nikki’s mum Ann had been diagnosed with terminal cancer whilst we were on holiday in Bonnie Scotland with Grannie Annie (As Lennon and Buster call her), it was hard to take and a struggle to find a solution, as you know we live in Essex and Grannie lives in Scotland, Nikki being the only child she took it upon herself to stay with her mum.

Us three boys headed down south and tried to get the house in order, Lennon started secondary school and Buster was just really confused as to what was going on and was wondering when was mum coming home, as for me I had to keep the boat afloat, let’s say we were just rolling with the punches but let’s not forget what was happening in Scotland! 

Nikki was running the show single handed and needed help, so this is where Macmillan have stepped in not just to look after Grannie Annie but to also help Nikki. The arm I wish I could put around her but not being there and not being able to do so, these people did for us.

I’m doing this ride for Ann and Macmillan, these people have their hearts in the right place, everything and more.

We now have Nikki home and we can start to get our family back together, I’ve been amazed by how helpful people have been with school runs with the boys, sleepovers, after school entertainment and dinners, early morning drop offs, you all deserve medals and I can’t thank you all enough.

If you could find time to dig deep people, what’s a couple of quid, what’s a sore backside (That I’m guaranteed to get) and what’s a day in the saddle, it’ll be worth it for a fantastic cause, I will be in debt to you all.

Adrian Bell