My wife's cousin Alex sadly lost his battle with Osteosarcoma on the 17th February 2011 - just five days after his 22nd birthday and marriage to his wife Ali. Alex was amazingly positive and sought to raise awareness of this disease and to help others with their fight through supporting the Bone Cancer Research Trust (BCRT). To this end, he took part in a BBC documentary about his life called 'Alex: A Life Fast Forward' and can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OW7DXGArYZU.

Around 450 people are diagnosed with bone cancer each year in the UK and Republic of Ireland. The disease mainly affects children and young people aged between 10 and 24 and sadly almost half are not expected to survive longer than five years. BCRT set out to improve the outcome for people with primary bone cancer through research, awareness, information and support. 

To help achieve Alex's goal, I've taken the plunge and purchased my first set of Lycra and will be taking part in the RideLondon-Surrey 100 cycle ride to raise money for this worthy cause. The 100 mile ride takes place on the 2nd August 2015 and starts at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic park. The route then heads out through Central London and into the heart of Surrey (including up Leith Hill and Box Hill!) before finishing back at the Mall circa 6 to 7 hours after Le Grand Depart (I hope!).

As bone cancer is rare, research currently receives very little funding through other sources. So please dig deep and help support #BCRT #TeamBones.  Thanks!