ON 12 June I am cycling 315 km overnight around Lake VÄTTERN in Sweden in the world’s largest one day recreational cycling race called Vätternrundan ( https://www.vatternrundan.se/en/races/vatternrundan-315km). I am doing this to raise money for my sister Siobhan’s nominated charity.

This is her story: As many of you know I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leaukaemia in November 2020. I was told to pack a bag and come to hospital because I would be away from my family for sometime. I was scared and worried about leaving my 4 young children and my husband. What with this being in the middle of Covid too it all felt incredibly surreal and frightening. I was scooped up in love and supported by my family and friends in London and all over the world, colleagues and neighbours too. I was blown away by all the little things people did for me and for my family - it gave me great comfort to know they were being looked after - I'll never forget it.

I am so thankful that I was steered to Dr Andrew Wilson and Professor Adele Fielding and all the clinicians and nurses in the Haemtology team. They saved my life and I will never forget their kindness.

I could talk all day about how incredible the team were to me during my illness, particularly that awful first year which was doubly isolating because of Covid. The Ambi care team were like family and reduced the loneliness and the wonderful Haematology team continue to care for me today.

5 years on it would be great to give something back while I am well and fit enough to HCC and this wonderful team.