My Dads story - My Dad Lyndon Parker has never smoked a single cigarette in his life, so we were devastated in October 2016 when he was diagnosed with Lung Cancer. After numerous tests and a biopsy it was confirmed that he had Mesothelioma. For those of you who don't know what this is, it is asbestos poisoning, it is a cruel and devastating illness and you can imagine the shock and fear when we were also told that there is no cure.                 

My dad was a carpenter so he spent decades working hard in asbestos environments with no protection - little did he know this would so quickly take his life in later years. This type of cancer lays dormant for years and then when it rears it's ugly head - BANG!!! it's too late and only palliative care can be offered.

Sadly my dad passed away on the 8th December 2016  just a few months later after being diagnosed. There is not a day that goes by without being reminded of the suffering that he went through, and the lack of support and knowledge we had about this illness. But my Dad, he never complained, he just got on with it,  and he was always giving us the thumbs up to say he was ok, but we knew other wise. My dad was outgoing and loved life but sadly he did not get to enjoy retirement after working hard for so many years.

There is not a lot of information or awareness about Mesothelioma so we had no idea what to expect, and my dad's nurse just told us to make each count - so we did.

I have decided to take on the challenge of cycling a 1,000 miles between April and July, these miles will be a combination of social rides and sportives, the first being the Tour de Gwent Sunday 9th April - 58 miles, then the Herio sportive on the 23rd of April - 32 miles, Iron Mountain 24th June - 40 miles, Velothon Wales 9th July - 68 miles, Llandrindod Festival Sportive 16th July - 68 miles 

I am still looking for an events in May and June that I can take on so if you have any suggestions please let me know.

I aim to book on more and will be providing updates as a when I do, so please donate to my chosen charity and help raise awareness of Mesothelioma and help to support people who are diagnosed with this cruel illness.

Throughout all of this it has taught me - life is a gift, so live in the present, eat the cake, buy the bike, book that holiday, the rainy day you are saving for may never come.

I miss you everyday Dad, but I know you are watching over me xxxx