It's Lee Robson's second attempt to recover from leukaemia. As I write he's just received his latest bone marrow transplant. Throughout his "conditioning" -a horribly euphemistic term for "very aggressive chemotherapy"- his humour, strength and love for his family has shone through. A tenth of that strength would get me to Spain and back. I hope I can find it.

I cycled with Lee, a lifelong friend, earlier this year as he struggled to complete John O' Groats to Newcastle in aid of Bright Red, just prior to being diagnosed for the second time. Bright Red exists to improve the lives and treatment of people in the North of England who are dealing with blood cancers, through care, education and research. They give real help where it's needed, and support real improvements in treatment.

I'd like to make this trip for a reason outside of myself. For a cause that motivates me. In a way that people other than me might benefit. My personal reasons are valid. But I'm not sure they're enough. I need something greater to motivate me through the hardest moments and darkest days. Something that will keep me going when I'm cold, wet, hungry, tired, scared, or all of the above. And here it is.

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