In May 2024 my Dad, Graeme Robertson, passed away after a short illness with Glioblastoma. Unfortunately his symptoms came on suddenly, the tumour was inoperable and just didn't respond to treatment. At the moment just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to brain tumour research. I want to do something to raise a little awareness and some money to help fund research.

Brain Tumour Research is focused on finding a cure for all types of brain tumours and the new Centre for Excellence in Scotland in collaboration with the Beatson Cancer Charity aims to harness the brain power of Scottish researchers to benefit Scottish patients.

Cycling is a passion I shared with my Dad and something we could always do together long after his back was too knackered to chase me around a rugby field or hold tackle bags at training. Every year the big day out was an organised charity cycle from Edinburgh to St Andrews. The Only goal was to get there in one piece and in time for a burger and a pint before the bus left to bring us home. Hail (yes, even in June), rain or shine we always made it and it was declared a grand day out.

I can't think of a better way to remember Dad than doing that route again but to give myself a bit of a challenge, on the 28th of June I'm not going to stop for a pint in St Andrews but get back on the bike and cycle home.

130 miles (209 km) and over 7000ft climbing...my only target is to get back to Edinburgh before its dark.

As part of the challenge, and to make sure I actually do some training I've also signed up for the Etape Caledonia on the 11th of May (85 miles (134 km) and 4,250ft climbing). It's a ride I've always fancied trying and it will be special as it starts and ends in Pitlochry where we had many happy bank holiday day trips and also loops round Loch Rannoch where Dad and I had our first big cycling day out together when I was still in primary school!

Anything you can spare is very much appreciated and going towards a very important and often overlooked cause.

Time to look out the padded shorts!