Everyone who is lucky enough to have a good Father will know the tremendous role they play in how we grow and become the people we are. Back in 2006 my brothers and I saw our Father leave this world after he suffered both an aneurysm and a stroke at the same time. Being 16 years old it was hard to take, however the memory of him has helped shaped me into the person I am today. 

I will be raising money for the Brain Research Trust who fund world-class research into understanding neurological conditions and helping fight things like strokes, aneurysms and other life-threatening brain conditions. The Brain Research Trust are housed in London's National Hospital of Neurology and Neurosurgery, the country's leading hospital for brain related conditions. This is where my Dad was taken and for all their amazing work they couldn't save him from seeing his last days there. The lowest moment of my life was compounded in that very building. I want to raise money in the hopes that others may not feel that pain that I felt.

The target for this grand adventure is £5000, that's nearly £1 per Kilometre I ride. Every Km I ride I want to help fund award winning research. Please give as little or as much as you possibly can, and if you have nothing to give then SHARE this story with the world! It would mean the world to me. 

Now I know you're asking 'why Istanbul?' Well as a Liverpool fan I thought it would be a befitting nod to the old man for me to cycle there, where on the 25th of May 2005, Liverpool FC won the Champions League in what is still one of the greatest nights of football. This was one of the last times my Dad saw his beloved redmen triumph and I want to honour him by it. 

I would also like to add I am doing this compeltely on my own. No support car, just me, a tent, my bike and the open road.