Right, so those who have followed my attempts at fundraising for the wonderful Marie Curie may have noticed that the challenges have increased year on year. From 10k, to 120 miles to now... 835k over 20,000 metres of mountainous terrain, over 7 days, timed, on a bike. You can see the entire route here: http://www.hauteroute.org/events/stages/pyrenees-2015

While I'm on this undoubtedly bizarre exercise in self-flagellation, I thought I'd try to get some money off you. Not for me, but for Marie Curie. Most of you know why they're so close to my heart. They provide such valuable care in the end stages of cancer; a stage so often overlooked and unspoken of but one which it is so important to get right.

Mum didn't have a "good" death. It would be impossible to describe the way she died, so young, and of a cancer that was as aggressive as it was rare, as "good". But she died with her family there, in a safe and comfortable place, having been allowed the opportunity to talk about what she was afraid of, and having been given the best care imaginable. Marie Curie was there up until the very end, offering not just my mum but me a home of sorts. Their comfort and care extended not just to her but to those who loved her, long after she was no longer with us.

I will turn 30 halfway through this race. I will feel the loss of my mum perhaps even more acutely on that day, as I wish so much that she was there to celebrate with me. Instead, I will be pedaling up a mountain, against the clock, pushing my body to its limits and reminding myself that I am lucky to be able to do so.

Please give what you can. If I got just £2 for each kilometre I'd surpass my target. I've even hired a coach and I'm contemplating giving up the booze in preparation, so it must be serious. I may even document the experience on some sort of blog, even if just to remind myself not to sign up for something so ridiculous ever again.

I think I might just go on holiday next year.