Tomorrow I am going to attempt my first training ride of the actual Dark Peak route. If I survive the Holme Moss ascent, that will be 60+ miles I need to cycle (5 miles to the start, 50 miles route and 5 miles home). And it has only just dawned on me that in 4 weeks time I will be doing the challenge for the Wakefield Hospice for real!

I am doing this challenge to help raise money for the Wakefield Hopsice, who provide help and support not only to their residents but to the families too. My family have experienced, first-hand, the tremendous work and effort that everyone at the hospice provide. 

All this support is provided through the donations and generosity of others. The main source of revenue, through their charity shops is on the decline. Why? Because of the rise of websites like eBay and Gumtree. People who used to pass on their unwanted items to charities now sell them instead. I was guilty of this too. 

My family and I, because of the sad passing  of my father-in-law, have been touched by their plight and want to help ensure that the Wakefield Hospice can continue to offer their support to those unfortunate families who need them.

This is why I am doing a 50 mile bike challenge that takes in Holme Moss - the very one traversed during the Grand Depart and recent Tour of Yorkshire events. I have 10 weeks to get fit and raise money at the same time. The hill climb will be painful but this pain is nothing compared to the battles faced by those who are unfortunate enough to have need of the care and support of the Wakefield Hospice - support that would not be available if was not for the generosity of people like you.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and I do hope that you will sponsor me?