In January 2021 I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML), a cancer of the white blood cells. Acute leukaemia means it progresses quickly and aggressively, and requires immediate treatment. Around 3,100 people in the UK are diagnosed with AML (70 people in N.Ireland) each year.

I will never be able to put into words just how grateful I am to have had such wonderful nursing and medical care at Belfast City Hospital. I now find myself in remission. I have been one of the very lucky ones and while I still can, I would very much like to try to put a little something back for all those who continue to give support and invaluable help and, if possible, offer hope and encouragement to others in similar situations.

So, for 8 days in June (23rd - 30th June), I will be cycling the entire coastline and border of Northern Ireland. A total distance of 900 kilometres. That’s 1 kilometre for every bed in Belfast City Hospital. I hope to bring an awareness to as many as possible prior to my journey. The hospital provides local acute services and regional specialist services to people from across Northern Ireland. These specialist services include renal medicine and transplants and a comprehensive range of cancer services in the Cancer Centre. 

Based at the heart of the Cancer Centre at Belfast City Hospital are “Friends of the Cancer Centre”. This charity funds life-saving and life-changing projects that make a real and lasting difference to the lives of thousands of local people affected by cancer.

It is my desire to help raise funds to assist with this ongoing programme to help to advance what is available, but more than anything to bring an awareness to the need for each one of us to address the importance of understanding just how vulnerable we all can be.

So if you see me on my journey don't be afraid to give a shout and wave for encouragement.