In recent years both my parents have had their own individual battles with cancer and been lucky enough to beat it, and in large part because of the incredible work of charities like Cancer Research UK and others like it in finding ways to treat, cure and prevent this horrible disease. 

However, the fight against cancer is unrelenting. 3 years ago we lost my cousin and last year a school friend, who was just 6 months younger than me and in a very similar stage of his life to me, also passed away after a very difficult illness. These events hammered home the fact that there remains so much to do to try and turn the tide against a disease, which will affect around 1 in 3 people.

My cousin and my school friend didn't know each other but they were linked by their incredible determination and positivity in the face of the long illnesses they both had. Inspired by them and with the hope I can channel some of their determination and positivity, I am taking on the challenge of the Lakeland 200, a 200km off-road mountain bike ride, taking in over 6000m of climbing over some of the most rugged terrain England has to offer. This will be done solo and completely self-supported and I aim to complete it in 35 hours. 

I hope to do a small part in helping Cancer Research UK continue their work to find ways to prevent and cure cancer.