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I Have worked for Middlesbrough and Stockton Mind for 10 years and have had my own experiences of poor mental health, especially when i was younger. Recently i have been diagnosed with cancer and would very much like to raise money for work that connects these two really challenging areas that anyone can face during their lives. Our research work with Macmillan has explored the experiences of people living with a mental health conditions affected by cancer.  One of the recommendations from the research is that the piloting of a Hospital Passport for people living with a mental health condition and diagnosed with cancer goes ahead.  This tool aims to improve the experience people have during their cancer pathway by addressing their support needs.

After taking ill i was unable to ride my bike for some time but started again 3 weeks ago, as much for my mental well being as my physical health and while doing this i thought that maybe i could replicate a ride I did 10 years ago where i did the coast to coast in a day.  It will probably be one of the hardest things i have done on a bike as i have lost a lot of fitness through this and am no spring chicken at 51 years of age!  But with a bit of luck and favourable weather i might just be able to pull it off, so I am going to give it a go on either Wednesday 17, Saturday 20th or Sunday 21st July, depending on how well i feel on the day and the wind direction!  The route i will take will be from Whitehaven to Saltburn or the other way around depending on conditions, it works out at 148.5 miles and 8,497 feet of ascent.

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