On the 8th of November 2022, we lost my Auntie Thelma to a swift and brutal battle with cancer. It's been a huge loss to our large immediate family. Growing up, she was like a second mother to me and Richie. 

Thelma was an amazing and selfless woman. She dedicated herself to fundraising and volunteering endeavours (literally too many to list), home and abroad and in honour of her memory, #TeamNana are completing various fundraising challenges throughout 2023. Ange (Me Mam) ran 50 miles through February, my cousin Kate is walking 100km a month for 3 months in a row, Thelma's sister Jenn (taking Thelma's place) and Granddaughter Summer will be taking on the Great North Swim this June and Thelma's eldest son Glenn (with Jenn), will do the Great North Run in September. Thelma's other son Cameron, the speerhead of Team Nana, has gone full Goggins mode. He completed 24 hours on an exercise bike (with no padded shorts!) back in February and later this year, he'll be running 4 miles every 5 hours for a whole week! 

The aim of these challenges is to raise money for Maggie's Newcastle. Maggie's offer free support to cancer sufferers and their families. Thelma's children and husband John found the centre at Newcastle Freeman to be huge solace during Thelma's final days, providing emotional and practical support through the most difficult time of their lives. Team Nana plans to raise as much as we can for this amazing charity.

At the end of May, it's my turn. Having never raised any money for a cycling challenge, I had to make sure the first time I did, it would be an absolute stinker. 

For those who don't know, an Everesting Challenge involves cycling up and down the same hill until the equivalent elevation of Mount Everest has been achieved; 8849 metres (29,031 feet). I've chosen the Hedley on the Hill Climb from Stocksfield (1 mile at 7% = 70 reps...ouch!).

It's probably going to take over 15 hours and will be the toughest challenge I've ever done. So please dig deep, for Maggie's and for Thelma :)