My wonderful and strong Mum lost her fight to ovarian cancer a couple of years ago - the hurt and emptiness never goes away.  When you want to turn around and ask her something or just a hug to get you through the difficult times...

My Mum was, and still is, very much loved, much as most Mums, however she was extra special and went that extra mile, not just for me, but for other people too.

She was always there for me, helping me through some really tough times - hugs, words of encouragement and wisdom, as well as the occassional thick ear! but also especially for my daughter.  Both my Mum and my daughter were very ill at the same time, my Mum with the final stages of cancer and my daughter with serious depression, anorexia and suicial tendencies - but Mum, in pain, was there to hold her and let her cry, not judging or pushing, just caring and also supporting me.  She was always the life and soul of parties (plenty of stories there) and a fabulous cook to boot!

I want to remember my Mum as a true fighter and gladiator with a very very kind and understanding heart - so I want to be a fighter and undertake challenges, stretch myself and raise money to support those wonderful people looking after those with cancer.  In addition, I want to show my daughter that if I can undertake challenges and achievements, then so can she - we can stretch and grow together!

I am also not the slimest of ladies - so this challenges is also going to allow me to trim down, get fit and healthy as well as growing in confidence and meet like minded people.  With this goal and wanting to raise as much money as possible for the charities, I am also going to undertake a blog at work (hopefully also open it to everyone else), keeping track of the weight loss, activities undergone, challenges faced and have some fun on the way - so watch out and have a laugh!

In the meantime, please sponsor me for this challenge of a lifetime - 350km bike ride across Africa!!!! OMG!!!

Thank you