In July 2017 my Dad died aged 54 from an aggressive metastatic neuroendocrine cancer. In the space of just over a year, he was reduced from being an active fell runner (albeit with Parkinson’s), to being entirely immobile, unable to walk and, confined to a nursing home. The spirit with which he tried to resist the progress of this dehumanising and degrading disease, and continued to raise money for causes he supported, from that nursing home bedroom, has inspired me to ride the last three Fred Whitton Challenges for Macmillan. 

This is notoriously the hardest cycling event in the UK, climbing 14,000 ft over 180 km, and taking in all major Lake District mountain passes, including the 33% incline of Hardknott Pass at 99 miles.

I wasn’t sure whether to ask people to donate for a third year in a row, but after agonising over it, until now- the day before the event- I’ve decided it’s worth creating this page, for a bit of low-pressure fund raising. Any donations gratefully received, but previous years’ donations not forgotten.

Thanks!