I have been delaying writing this as trying to write this on behalf of Mags and her family feels a huge task. 

Our beautiful and beloved Mags who was an amazing mum to Charlie and Sam, wonderful wife to Phil and soulmate with twin sister, Vicky and loving sister to Deborah, Kate and James and not forgetting dearest daughter to Glynis lost her incredibly brave battle with pancreatic cancer in February this year.  I was only a friend in recent years through the childrens' school and sport and what an amazing friend she was which was only strengthened during her illness. 

I still can't quite believe that Mags is no longer with us and I'm sure she remains with most of us on a daily basis.  The time I feel the biggest gap is when we are running, training or playing netball as she was a huge part of our team. 

That's why it felt so important to do something in memory of Mags not only to raise much needed awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer but also to do something together to remember Mags and have something positive to aim for when trying to battle with grief. 

Pancreatic cancer is a dreadful disease. I thought cancer was bad enough but there were days when I wished Mags just had breast cancer (an illness where the battle can be won). I'm not sure where Mags found her amazing strength from but she fought it so hard and never seemed to dwell on, what according to the statistics, was the inevitable. Her courage and positive attitude is a continuous lesson to us all. 

It seems fitting to do something active and challenging to push us to our limits. Mag's cancer was detected whilst we were training for the Tough Mudder.  She had begun to enjoy cycling after our triathlon two years ago and we often talked about doing a long cycling adventure. It is also very fitting to end in Paris where she often met with her sister, Kate.

Most of us are new to cycling (although there are some more experienced members to help us along the way). So it is going to be a huge task to cycle from London to Paris in four days and I'm sure it will be both physically and emotionally challenging ( with some very sore bits to add to the pain!!). Mags will be with us every pedal of the way and her strength will be a continuous reminder that together we can face anything. Please sponsor us as your support is not only invaluable to Pancreatic Cancer UK but also to keep us focussed on the task in hand.