I was 17 turning 18 Back in 2000 when I arrived in Scotland for my gap year from Australia (I am still on that gap by the way) and I lived with my grandparents Ian & Jessie Cameron. In 2001 my granny - Jessie, found out she had breast cancer for the second time and sadly passed away later that year, it was a very sad time for all her family and close friends! 

My Granny spent the last few months of her life in the Highland hospice, which was the best place for her as she had fantastic support from the team around the clock! 

On the day of my grannies funeral, I said to myself I would ride around Loch Ness in memory of Jessie and at the same time raise some valuable money for such a good cause! 

I could say that I decided to wait 17 years to build up my network of contacts so I had the potential to raise more money for the hospice, however that’s not the truth! The real truth is, firstly I didn’t own a bike, secondly I never ever thought I could (I still don’t know if I can) cycle 70 miles and thirdly it took Darren Tree my next door neighbour to sign me up to the etape without me knowing! 

So now that I have been signed up, it has given me the opportunity to raise that money I once said I would! 

So you all know how serious I am taking this - I have bought myself a bike, I HAVE NOT HAD 1 ALCOHOLIC DRINK since 31st December 2017 (now that has been the hardest), I have been going to the gym 3/4 times per week,  and I have been out cycling 3 times so far! 

For those that don’t know me that well, I don’t do these things very often, I think this will be my 2nd charity event in 18 years, simply down to family life and busy with work and A lot of you may have already had family or friends cared for by the hospice, so I ask you all to give as much or as little as you can afford for such a great charity and every donation will be greatly received, as well as giving me more motivation to get around Loch Ness!! 

Thank you very much for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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