Stuart, my Step Dad and the sunshine of our lives, was a keen cycling enthusiast. Some of his biggest cycling achievements included cycling up Michaelgate in Lincoln, the 60 mile Great North Bike Ride, the 100 mile Lincolnshire Castle to Coast Ride and cycling to the summit of Col de la Madone in France. However, his biggest and perhaps most challenging cycling achievement was leading the first 5km of a virtual bike ride with his Team TFC cycling friends, whilst undergoing treatment for advanced pancreatic cancer. This took every ounce of the instinctive determination he always had and never lost. Several weeks after this, Stuart reached life’s end.

I was inspired by Stuart’s passion for life and cycling. I considered numerous ways to raise money for Pancreatic Cancer UK in his memory, including walking for 100km through the night (until I realised the walk was in four weeks’ time!), but I kept coming back to cycling. So, my Aunty Helen and I have signed up for a Coast to Coast bike ride across Britain from Workington to Tyneside (130 miles), a place that Stuart loved and spent a lot of time growing up. 

The fact is, Helen is a cyclist and I am not. I have barely ridden a bike since having my stabilisers taken off 18 years ago! I didn’t own a bike until a couple of weeks ago and I still don’t own any cycling gear...I had thought about borrowing some of Stuart’s so I didn't have to buy any, slight problem…he was 6”3! I suppose the clothes are the least of my worries, I'm going to have to get fit in order to fulfil this challenge. I know that the endurance required to complete the C2C will be mental and physical, although it doesn’t even come close to the strength, courage and endurance it took Stuart to live with his pancreatic cancer. I know that if he were here today he would be thrilled, but in total disbelief, about the prospect of me attempting this challenge! I know he will be there with us in spirit and I’d love to make him proud. 

Helen and I would be extremely grateful if you’d sponsor us in aid of Pancreatic Cancer UK, who rely on fundraising to raise awareness; fund vital research; provide expert support and information via their amazing support line and campaign for change - for better care, treatment and research, and for pancreatic cancer to have the recognition it needs.

Thank you! 

Emily and Helen x

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

*UPDATE* 09/01/2018

Hi everyone, just to update you on recent events... 

Helen has recently been diagnosed with a congenital heart defect, a hole between her 2 upper heart chambers. Apparently, she has had it since birth but it has only just become apparent. Unfortunately, this means she will be unable to do the C2C ride in May 2018 as she is awaiting surgery to close the hole, which will hopefully be done in the next few months. I would still like to cycle the route with Helen. It will take a while for her to regain fitness in order to tackle all those hills, so we have decided to do it next year.  Helen is certainly not going to let me get away without completing the challenge!! Besides, we can't wait to wear our Pancreatic Cancer UK cycling tops!! We would like to thank everyone who has sponsored us so far and please keep donating. I will keep you posted. 

Thank you. Emily x