In June 2022 I’ll be part once again of a team of cyclists known as the FireFlies who will cycle over the Alps, from Switzerland to Cannes in France. 

During the pandemic fundraising for charities has been well down, for obvious reasons. But cancer doesn’t care about the world situation and continues to affect lives everyday. After the last ride and the impact it had on me and those around me, I knew I’d probably ride again one day. Two tours have been cancelled since, along with a whole raft of other fundraising, and when the call went out I decided I should ride again this year if I could. Jo’s been a legend, with her support and the time away. ❤️

We don't know exactly what's coming (we find out each morning) but it's about 1000 km, over 8 days up and over some very big mountains!  We're expecting more than 80000 ft of climbing. As it’s my second go,  I know this is a huge physical challenge, but it is also remains an important personal journey for me.

I came across The FireFlies at the launch of the 2019 ride, and that evening I heard Paul Carless talk movingly about having cancer, his family and how the drugs developed in the last few years allow him to manage and live with the disease. I’d spent the previous weekend away with my family, on the anniversary of what would have been my dad’s 70th birthday. My brother Fran had organised the weekend for us to celebrate and remember my dad, who died from cancer when I was 10 years old.

I signed up for that first  ride the next day. 

Being able to support the life-saving work of Bloodwise and prevent other families from losing their loved ones is a privilege that will keep me peddling through the 7 day ride. The training is tough, but also fun and rewarding. I know that the actual ride will be one of the hardest things I do, but I’m looking forward to completing this with my dad in mind, and for the many, many others like him. 

Please sponsor me if you can. I’m grateful for all donations, big and small. If you do have a larger one, (thank you!), let me know as sending it directly to Bloodwise will potentially benefit more.

Thanks, 

Ed.

From the team: We're a community dedicated to beating blood cancer. We do this by funding research and supporting those affected. Since 1960, we've invested over £500 million in blood cancer research, transforming treatments and saving lives. Right now, our community is funding 360 researchers and staff across the UK who are searching for the next breakthrough. The day we will beat blood cancer is now in sight and the researchers are determined to finish the job.