Simon died in June 2021 from Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), a rare neurological disease. It snuck up slowly only to ambush him in the last year of his life, painfully destroying his body and the functions we take for granted. Walking, talking, eating... every ability was taken, while his mind was left cruelly aware to handle each loss.

Simon received excellent palliative care which enabled him to remain at home, looked after by people who loved him. A few weeks before he died, his communication reduced to blinks, he said he didn't want to die in pain. I checked - even if that means shortening your conscious life? Yes, he blinked.

The medical team did all they could, but it wasn’t enough. Simon died in pain and distress.

So we're cycling 1000 miles from Land's End to John o' Groats this June, in support of Dignity in Dying and their campaign to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill, mentally competent adults.

We are Suzanne, Susanna, Alan, Christine & Richard - Simon's wife and friends. We're all in our fifties and till now, would have considered a ten mile bike ride, good going. The last few months we've pushed each other to breaking point, cycling up hills that seemed never ending, and over distances surely intended for cars. We're more saddle sore than we ever imagined but knowing we're raising money for such an important cause keeps us motivated.

If you would like to join us in supporting Dignity In Dying, please click on the Give Now button.

Or to follow our progress on the ride, visit www.puppetpig.com for all the insights!

With sincere thanks from us all

Suzanne, Susanna, Alan, Christine and Richard.