Last year my very lovely friend John-Paul Cassidy (JP) died as a result of head injuries sustained in a car accident.

JP was a compassionate, genuine, and gentle friend to me - particularly when I lost my partner Charlotte, and our friend Alana. We also shared a lot of laughter, especially over a few beers, and we ran the Leeds half marathon together.

The world is utterly unjust and ridiculous sometimes!

To help me cope with losing JP, I decided that I was going to take on the Tour de Manc - a 100-mile cycle, which includes 8700ft of hill climbs. It’s going to hurt! I was really unfit when I started training, but it’s been great to have a focus and a wonderful excuse to wear a lot of lycra.

Please support me by donating to brain injury charity Headway. Its staff do incredible work supporting those that have been afflicted with brain injuries, as well as their loved ones. Please dig deep.

Thank you.