Those of you that know me well will know that my Mum has struggled with her health for most of her adult life. She has a stroke disorder called CADASIL syndrome, and over the years parts of her brain have died through repeated strokes, resulting in a diagnosis of vascular dementia. Unfortunately the isolation of lockdown has accelerated her decline to the extent that she has now been transferred to a nursing home, where she will probably remain for the rest of her life. She is 59 years old.

I was obviously devastated when I heard the news that she needed to be moved to a nursing home. I knew she was inexorably deteriorating, but I hoped it would never get this bad, especially so soon. It was only a year ago that we'd regularly exchange messages on WhatsApp; now she has no idea how to use a phone.

All I can do now for Mum is be there for her emotionally; it's the least I can do after all she's done for me. Something else I can do though is help to prevent others from suffering the same fate. I've therefore decided to raise money for the neurology department at St George's hospital; my auntie and grandma were diagnosed with CADASIL there, and they also have a research project on the condition.

So what ludicrous physical feat will I perform to make you part with your hard earned cash? On 18th June 2022 I will cycle the entire length of Wales in a single day, from Cardiff on the south coast to Colwyn Bay on the north coast; a journey of 300 km with over 3,000 m of climbing.

I've participated in many physical challenges throughout my life, but this will undoubtedly be the toughest of them all, so please do donate to this brilliant cause. Thank you.

"Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."