In 2007 I had surgery to remove a large intestinal tumour, later diagnosed as Gastro-Intestinal Stromal Tumour. Given the relative rarity of this type of cancer, I was referred to the Royal Marsden cancer hospital in London. The tumour returned in 2013, since when I have received daily drug treatment, and also further surgery in 2018, all under the care of The Royal Marsden.

This summer Andy, my brother-in-law, will embark upon an unsupported bike ride from Lands End to John O'Groats, and also undertake the Three Peaks climbing challenge at the same time. I will join Andy for the Scotland leg of this adventure. Together we will ride (and climb) in support of the great work of The Royal Marsden Cancer charity:

"The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity raises money solely to support The Royal Marsden, a world-leading cancer centre. We ensure our nurses, doctors and research teams can provide the very best care and develop life-saving treatments, which are used across the UK and around the world. From funding state-of-the-art equipment and groundbreaking research, to creating the very best patient environments, we will never stop looking for ways to improve the lives of people affected by cancer".

I will be meeting up with Andy in Gretna Green on Thursday 15th July, and will spend the next three days riding with him from Gretna, through Glasgow, and then heading towards the east coast and onwards to Fort William. We will take a break from cycling for one day whilst Andy walks up Ben Nevis (and I lie down for a bit - a sore knee prevents me from joining him for the walk), and then we'll be back on the bikes again for the final three days of cycling to John O'Groats. Across the six days of riding I will be covering around 770 kilometres and ascend almost 6,800 metres. Andy, will of course, be covering a much greater distance!