We are not the kind of people that like to do things by half and neither was my amazing dad Phil, when Benjamin and I first began discussing ways to mark the 10 year anniversary of his passing  Ben suggested doing something for charity, of course I loved the idea, the seed was planted. ‘We can do whatever you want dear’ may well be famous last words as I have decided we will cycle  Miles in Memory over 4 days through 5 Counties and at least 150 miles from our cosy home in Eastbourne through London to Ipswich Town Football Club (dad’s final resting place) to raise money and awareness for The SMA Trust.

So let me tell you why… my dad was not expected to reach 3 years old, he was diagnosed with type 2 Spinal Muscular Atrophy a muscle wasting condition which remains the single biggest genetic killer of children under 2 years old!  I guess you only had to meet him to know what a fighter he was and that he was destined for great things.

My dad, my hero went on to marry my amazing mum have 5 healthy children, become a foster parent, adopting my youngest sister Chloe. He went on to university gaining his masters degree whilst we were children. My dad was one of 3 co-founders and managing director of Essex Coalition for Disabled People a organisation  offering a voice for those disabled people who felt they were not heard.  He also had amazing lifelong friends, held regular card games and threw amazing New Years Eve parties. Perhaps his biggest love after his family (of course) was Ipswich Town Football Club he was a loyal fan and held a season ticket for many years, I am sure my siblings and I knew football chants before our ABC!

None of our lives were unaffected by SMA and as we grew older it was obvious dads body was growing weaker, his condition meant his body was to weak to fight his final illness and he died at 10.50 on 3^rd of March 2005 aged just 48, I was 14 at the time and the oldest child Chloe was still in nursery. I cannot thank the friends and family who have supported us and continue to do so enough nor can I bring my dad back no matter how much I wish I could we all know that is not possible. However  with the help of my amazing boyfriend I can extend his legacy a little and help fund research into new treatments and potential cures which could help other families and stop them from feeling the pain that never truly stops.

My dad’s life was not always easy and I did not want this event to be either, neither of us were at all fit or had ever cycled any real distance when this idea came about. Between us we have 5 stone to lose and yes we are struggling, but we figured if my dad could spend  his adult life getting about on wheels we could manage for a few days. We would love to raise £3652 (leap years!) one pound for every day  we have been without our dad, our husband, our friend however we know this is incredibly ambitious! If you can help in any way please feel free to message us, tweet us @MillersMemory or visit our  Facebook page for weekly updates  www.facebook.com/MillersMemory  

Thank you Sian & Ben