Macmillan Cancer Support has been an important and hugely valued charity for my family and I for many years because of the excellent cancer and end of life care they provide. 

When I was seven years old we lost my Nana Mercer to cancer.  People didn’t talk about cancer a lot in those days, but I remember so well my mum being upset because she felt, at that time, though there was hospital care for patients with terminal cancer, more could be done to provide pain relief and preserve dignity at this critical time, the end of their lives.

Things have improved immensely since then in big part thanks to Macmillan. 

Our support for Macmillan began when I was a young teenager, they opened a Hospice less than a mile from our family home and we learned of their purpose - incredible care for people like Nana Mercer.

My first sponsored bike ride for Macmillan was 100 miles when I was 15 with friends from Wolverhampton Grammar School, then again same distance a year later.  (Luckily we have kms now, so “100” on Sunday 2nd July is only 63 miles.)

When my dad, John Hollis, died of cancer in 2004, only a year after Grace was born, he was incredibly well supported at a Macmillan Hospice, this meant so much to me at the time, it is hard to express enough gratitude.   

My mum, Madeline Hollis, died of cancer a year later - both mum and dad dying in their mid sixties.  Incredibly sad times, but made more bearable through their end of life care. 

Hence my huge respect and appreciation for Macmillan Cancer Support.  And thank you to James McConnell for encouraging me to join the Macmillan Dorset Bike Ride this Sunday. 

I recognise that 100km is not exactly Iron Man territory, but it’s a challenge for me being further than I’ve ridden since my late teens!  If you saw me after a 40 mile training ride, you would appreciate that this will cause me plenty of sweat and pain, bring it on for a great cause. 

If, like me, you believe in Macmillan’s purpose, please see my ride as a little nudge for a donation. 

I would be hugely appreciative.