Me, Pete and Paul decided to give ourselves a bit of a challenge after Simon was diagnosed with an aggressive form of lung cancer last year. We wanted to help and this seemed like a small thing we could do to generate some money for a great cause. We are cycling 50 miles through the Surrey countryside as part of the Farnham Charity bike ride. Both Pete and Paul have even had to buy a bike but we're happy to do what we can for the 4th member of the Lanzarote Massive (a name that came about after our lads holiday to Lanzarote in 2006). Since then we have enjoyed many memorable times together including stag dos, ski holidays and the Darts!

As a dad of 2 young children, Simon has chosen the UCH Cancer fund - Children's unit and you can read his story/why he chose it below...

"I was honoured to be asked to nominate the charity on behalf of Ryan, Paul and Peter for this gruelling cycle ride. A number of things went through my mind when I was considering which one to choose, as any cancer charity is deserving of donations because this wicked disease is responsible for taking millions of lives worldwide each year.

However, when I reflect on my own circumstances, it became easier to identify exactly where I would want any money to go.  In short, I am a married 37-year old father of two wonderful children and I have aggressive lung cancer. I have never smoked in my life, live a reasonably healthy lifestyle and have no history of cancer or any other life-threatening disease. My overriding senses of fear and hope are accompanied by anger and resentment as to “Why me? What have I or my family ever done to deserve this?”. The latter emotions are ones I desperately try not to dwell on but are relevant when I think of others who have been diagnosed with lung or other forms of cancer through no fault of their own.

So, given the above, that is why I have nominated the Children’s Cancer Unit at University College Hospital London (UCHL) as the charity for this bike ride. While I am being treated at UCHL and continue to be mightily impressed with their expertise, attention to detail and overall care, they also treat people of all ages. For someone my age this diagnosis is traumatic enough, but for any child to have this life-threatening disease is both horrific for the families and grossly unfair. 

Having spoken to the hospital, they are incredibly grateful to have been nominated. Any donation, either big or small, will go towards making a difference to these children's lives. So, from the boys and I, thank you very much for your generosity." Simon

Cancer fund info: Over 14,000 people every year are treated for cancer at University College Hospital, and this number is rising annually. Our patients come from across the UK though mostly from north London, Hertfordshire and Essex. University College Hospital aims to ensure that all people with cancer, and their families and carers receive a world-class service from diagnosis through treatment and beyond. To achieve this aim and to support our patients, we have created the University College Hospital Cancer Fund which assists with important areas of work above and beyond what the NHS is able to provide.