In January last year I learnt that Lydia's mum, Joan, was diagnosed with the condition Myelodysplastic Syndrome (a rare blood cancer). As you can imagine, it has been a difficult 18 months for Joan and all of the family, and, whilst I can’t do anything to change Joan’s condition I’d like to seize the opportunity to raise some money and awareness for an organisation that can. 

MDS UK have been a massive support to Joan and the family throughout this really difficult period. I hope you can join me in attempting to repay just some of the kindness and love this inspiring and brave woman shows so many by supporting MDS UK.

On the 30^th July I will be setting off from Land’s End in the direction of John O’Groats. I’ll be following the GB Divide route which is a 2000km (600km offroad) route that snakes its way up through England, Wales and Scotland via small lanes, drove roads and spectacular mountain passes (27,000 metres of climbing!). More info about the route here; https://bikepacking.com/routes/gb-divide/

I will sleep in a bivvy bag (basically a sack) in bothies (basically a shack) and in the gardens of kind strangers who I have contacted via the Warmshowers cycle touring website. Due to the distance and terrain I won’t be doing much apart from pedalling for 10 days straight; expecting to average approximately 12 hours in the saddle every day and I expect it will be an eating competition as much as anything else! I have spent 6 months planning and training for this ride to ensure that my route, equipment and body are in the best place they can be but I’ve no doubt there will be some surprises and unexpected challenges along the way.

Any donation you can give will make a difference to the impact that MDS can have and will be greatly appreciated.