Three years ago my sister, Sheena, was diagnosed with myelofibrosis, a rare form of blood cancer which causes scar and fibrous tissue to build up inside the bone marrow so that the marrow can't produce blood cells effectively. This group of disorders, known as myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), only affects one in 100,000 people, resulting in it not being understood - or funded - to the same extent as more common cancers.

For the last  three years Sheena has worked with MPN Voice, a small charity which supports those diagnosed with MPN and invests in research and clinical trials. As there is currently no cure for these disorders MPN Voice aims to raise money in order to fund research to ultimately find a cure. Sheena has organised and taken part in many fundraising events and has inspired her family and friends  to take on their own challenges to raise thousands for this small charity.

Now its my turn...I'll be cycling 81 miles through the highlands of Scotland - even the official website calls it arduous - for a small but very worthy charity which has provided much needed support and information to Sheena and others impacted by MPN.

I have also been identified as Sheena's potential bone marrow donor should she need this help in the future. I feel this cycling effort is an interim step of support.

I know you will have many demands on your charitable giving and I hate asking for something for nothing. But this is a fantastic cause which is very close to my heart, and I only intend to do this once (!), so please give what you can to support MPN Voice and me on race day!

Thank you. Your support means a lot.

Tricia xx