On 26 August it will be 10 years since Mum died, I can't believe how quickly that time has gone. Mum was first diagnosed with breast cancer when I was 10 years old and my brother Jordan was 6. She was 40 then, an age I am quickly approaching. Now I have two young children myself, I can imagine how frightening that diagnosis must have been. Mum battled with cancer for 19 years. Breast cancer progressed to secondary breast cancer which appeared in her bones, brain and liver. Mum held on long enough to see Tim and I get married. We called the ambulance for her the day after our wedding and she died in hospital a few days later. She stayed alive so she could be there for my big day because that's just the sort of amazing mother she was.  

If Mum was alive today, I know she would be immensely proud of her two grandsons, Jude and Sonny, whom she never got to meet. She would also be looking forward to meeting her granddaughter, soon to be born to Jordan and Cat in America. Mum was only 58 when she died, gone far too soon. Everyone who knew her misses her tremendously. She was a wonderful mother to myself and Jordan, a brilliant wife to my Dad Neil and a lovely sister, friend and teacher. 

I have done a bit of fund raising for cancer charities since Mum's death but as it will be 10 years this year, I wanted to do something truly challenging. Cycling 100 miles is going to be tough! I am absolutely not a naturally athletic person! I know Mum would be very proud to see me pushing myself for this cause (as well as being terrified about me being out on the roads). Cancer affects so many people. It's not just Mum who we have lost in recent years and there are numerous other friends and family members still fighting against this horrible disease. I'd really like to raise a significant amount and do my bit to help. Please sponsor me if you can. The single pounds make tens of pounds, then hundreds and maybe even a thousand?!?!

Training has commenced as I have a lot to do before I will be ready to cycle 100 miles on 1 September! Don't worry Mum, I'll wear a helmet. X