This will be the first time I have participated in a big fund raising event, or tackled a serious long distance cycling challenge with 300+ other riders. I am excited, and just a little daunted, at the prospect of riding 500 km over 4 consecutive days (approx 80 miles a day), and wonder why I have left it to the age of 71 before attempting such a thing!

I was diagnosed with myeloma in November 2020. After 6 months of chemotherapy treatment I had a stem cell transplant on June 28th 2021.  Since then I have, thankfully, stayed in remission, on a low dose of chemo with regular blood tests at the wonderful Guys Cancer Centre. Thanks to my treatment (and the amazing NHS team at Guys and UCL) I have been able to keep active with regular tai chi practice,  cycling and occasional tennis. I am also kept busy with my art practice with my long term collaborator and partner, Tamiko. 

My faithful old steel frame touring bike, that I have been riding almost daily for the last 20 years, has been temporarily forsaken for a 8.9 kg carbon Chris Boardman bike with drop handle bars - the kind of bike I would never have thought I would ride - not to mention the gel filled lycra shorts and snap on pedals etc.. 

However - myeloma research is critically important because myeloma is a complex cancer with no known cure. It's a relapsing and remitting disease which means many patients are in desperate need of that next treatment.  I was shocked to read that 16 people a day are diagnosed with myeloma in the UK ! 

Myeloma UK are doing great and essential work in supporting research and lobbying for new treatments to be adopted.

I want to raise at least £5000 for Myeloma UK and would be incredibly grateful if you can help me achieve this.

I have been training for the last few weeks, and will continue in preparation for the ride that takes place between September 7 - 11th. Next Saturday I will be joining 3,000 other riders to participate in the night time 112 mile Dulwich Dynamo that will be a serious test of body mind and machine !