We did it!  Over 18 gruelling hours of cycling, over hills, and through majestic places – we rode the North...  Without a doubt one of the most physically challenging things I’ve ever done in my life.But I kept my promise true and cycled through pain, rain and exhaustion...But complete it we did; and Ride the North – you didn’t break me, you just made me stronger.

 

Thanks a million times over for all the words of encouragement and sponsorship.  The generosity of everyone has been unbelievable!

 

 

It’s not like me to do an event and ask my friends, colleagues and family to put a bob or two my way and fund something I’d do for fun.  That’s why over the years, 10ks and West Highland Way challenges are something that I didn’t for charity (I’d just sponsor myself); they were personal challenges that I’d gladly sign up for and battle my way through.  Outdoor adventures are what I thrive on, albeit I’m still not the fittest person in the world.

 

But this time, I felt the shout out and challenge would be something that merited doing that fateful email, entitled – ‘will you sponsor me, can you spare a penny!’

 

So what’s my motivation on this occasion?

 

For over a year I’ve worked with the WGPSN team to raise money for the Maggie’s new cancer care centre in Aberdeen.  I’ve been inspired, motivated and moved along the way and our target has now reached £200K!  It’s phenomenal what we’ve achieved, but it isn’t just a number, this is the hearts and souls of people who have all been affected by cancer. 

 

But why am I personally motivated, and what is driving me to push this campaign and take on this challenge with all my might?

 

Unfortunately, cancer doesn’t discriminate; it visits us all.  And it didn’t fail to visit my door when my dad was diagnosed with throat cancer several years ago and was given two years to live.  The treatment that was soon to follow and something all cancer sufferers face; operation, radio-therapy, medication...  An ex paratrooper, munro bagger, proud man – a harsh reality.  But like any true soldier, he took cancer head on and overcame his diagnosis.  And next year, I’ll have my dad by my side when I walk down the aisle.

 

Cancer isn’t gone from us though, and although it may have seemed to have passed through our lives, it robbed Dad of his ability to eat forever. It also came knocking this year when a very special girl in my life was diagnosed with breast cancer on the eve of her 30 birthday. 

 

So raising money for the Maggie’s centre in Aberdeen is something close to my heart.  And the ride the north challenge is no mean feat.  It’s 85 miles each day, a gruelling challenge that I’m training for and pushing myself to the limits. If you are out to Banchory anytime soon for a cone, I could be the person that you pass - with the pink cheeks, shouting words of encouragement to myself while my team mates and waiting at the next stop!  

 

So... if you sponsor me, here’s my promise.  I’ll train as hard as I can...I’ll keep on going through the pain in my legs. I’ll cycle in wind, rain and sleet, and ping the midgies as they bounce of my brow.  I’ll also buy you a drink or two next time our paths cross.

 

So that’s my story and request for support. If this isn’t something you want to support, (I know we all have our causes – that is completely fine to).

 

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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So please dig deep and donate now.