For those of you that don't know one of my friends Jacqui very sadly lost her battle with cancer on Wednesday 9th January. Jacqui persuaded Barbara and I that cycling from Milan to Venice for this great cause would be a good idea (I'm sure for those of you that knew Jacqui will understand how excited and persuasive Jacqui got in this conversation!).

Even when I last saw Jacqui a few days before she passed away she was still very keen to understand how my training and fundraising activities were going. We are all devastated that Jacqui is no longer able to take part in the challenge, despite this she will be in our hearts every mile of the way!

Jacqui has always had an unshakable positive belief towards living her life to the full, and seeing the best in every situation. In true Jacqui style, she turned her situation into an opportunity to raise as much awareness and fundraising as possible. She has raised a huge amount for this great cause by cycling in many different countries, for example Vietnam, Cuba and very recently in India. Each and every challenge came with a unique idea of how to fundraise, to name a few Jacqui created beanie hats, made challenge bags and got many people involved in a lucky number grid.

We will miss her dreadfully but her legacy will live on, for one I'm even more determined to complete this challenge in her memory and to not only raise funds, but to raise awareness of this dreadful illness, which for far too many people is far too close to home.

Please help myself and Barbara to raise money in Jacqui's memory.

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