Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

In May 2012, I rode the grand distance of 4 miles from my home in Penelewey to Truro. Stopped for a coffee and wondered how I was going to get back home! 

I consider myself fortunate to be here and healthy enough to be able to join Fern Britton on her Challenge 57 ride from John O'Groats to Landsend. Undertaking a 1000 mile cycle ride will be very testing. It's an endurance event beyond anything else I have ever contemplated but the tough times we encounter, and overcome, will be worth it if the money raised for research means that even one young woman will be saved the heartache and despair so many have experienced.  

Those of you who are lucky enough to go through pregnancy, childbirth and your offspring's childhood with no complications can only begin to imagine the pain of miscarriage (sometimes multiple), the worry of premature birth, the anguish of stillbirth or childhood cancers. Yes, giving birth and raising a family is now safer than it has ever been but there is still a long way to go. Believe me.

There was a time when I was one of the lucky ones. My first two beautiful babies were carried and born with no problems. It was my third pregnancy that ended with my 'unviable' twins. Nothing prepared me for the physical pain and emotional trauma of that labour. Or the forever unanswered question 'Why?'

I really am amazingly fortunate. Despite losing (a ridiculous term) two more babies for different reasons and circumstances (equally emotional and traumatic) I completed my family with four wonderful children. 

My mother suffered similarly and two of my nieces have had major, life threatening complications during pregnancy and birth. More than one young friend has had fertility issues, two have delivered very premature babies and yet another has suffered the unimaginable; still birth. I know children who have had to cope with cancer. These are not historic conditions and complications. They are happening to women and their babies here and now. 

Research into the cause and cure for these conditions is vital. Sponsoring me the price of a glass of wine, or two, will give the brilliant scientists at Genesis, based in Hammersmith hospital under the guidance of renowned, and rather wonderful, Lord Professor Robert Winston, the opportunity to change lives so that future generations do not have to undergo such illness and pain. 

Thanks for donating. Here's to making a difference and being lucky enough to be able to. Right here, right now.  

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