Many of you will know, as this has been a while in the planning, that last Autumn I was asked to be part of a relay team in the Ironman 70.3 in Majorca this May. It’s the biggest Ironman in the world with over 3,500 competitors. I will be part of Team Fitique - Lou will swim 1.5km, I will cycle 90km and Karen finishes with a half marathon. Be in no doubt, this is way out of my comfort zone, particularly as both Lou and Karen are serious athletes with much more experience than me. Many of the professional cycle teams spend big chunks of the year in Majorca training – the hills, no, actually I mean mountains, are something else. What an earth was I thinking - I’m going to have to cycle up them and as fast as I can as this is a serious race!! I thought a goal in my 50th year might be a good idea. Now one week off the event and after an awful lot of training and self doubt, I hope I am ready to face my demons. I can’t pretend otherwise, I am absolutely terrified. Fear of failure is very real.

My motivation and inspiration has been our dear friend Robbie Keville. Tragically, Robbie (aged 10), who many of you will know, died in February after a long and courageous battle with a brain tumour. He was a wonderful, cheeky, clever and very funny little chap. Unbelievably, his mum Kate died 4 years ago from breast cancer. His dad Mark and siblings Harry and Lara have been so strong – we are in such admiration of their strength and dignity at what must have been, and continues to be, the most difficult of times.

His family set up ‘RobbiesRally’ to help raise money to support a professional post at Southampton Hospital. Many children who have received treatment for a brain tumour often struggle once their medical care has finished. This position will fund a role to act as the conduit to all medical professionals and services such that the child receives all the help they need when recovering.

So, guess what? I would love you to make a donation of any amount, however big or small, to Robbie’s charity, in his memory.

This is a deeply personal and close cause for me and my family. We knew Robbie very well and whilst he was taken far, far too young we feel privileged to have been a small part of his short life. I would absolutely love to raise a decent amount of money as it will really spur me on in the race and the charity deserves to be a success as this position is desperately needed.