As many of you know, cancer has been a bit too much of a prominent feature in our lives and those of our families recently. Whilst I'm now doing well following treatment for head and neck cancer last year, we are acutely aware that not everyone else is in the same position.

Very sadly, my aunt Sue (pictured above, 2nd from left) ended her incredibly stoical bowel cancer journey just before Christmas. Sue was helped a lot throughout the last few years by the amazing work that Macmillan do, and the nurses made her final months as comfortable and dignified as possible. Sadly, this resource is finite and not everyone can access the same support that Sue had.

As such, we would like to help make sure Macmillan services are available for other people and their families in similar positions. We are asking for donations of any spare pennies you may have to sponsor us to ride the https://www.etapelochness.com/event/etape-loch-ness/, on 28th April 2024.

The Etape Loch Ness is a 106km (66 miles) sportive - "sportive" meaning it's NOT a race, Jo tells me... For the roadies amongst us I imagine that there was some involuntary sneering at seeing us fundraising to ride this relatively short distance! However, it’s not really about the physical challenge. It’s much more about raising awareness of (and funds for) this great cause, and taking time to reflect on all of those we know (and have known) who have been impacted by cancer.

(Also, if it helps, one of us will be running a 70km ultramarathon a couple of weeks before and the other one will be providing emotional support for said ultramarathon runner. We’ll leave it to you to determine which of us is fulfilling which role and which has the hardest task…)

We are not blind to the global financial situation, so whilst this is a cause close to many, please feel no obligation to donate. However, if you do feel able to support us, know that any amount (however small) would be greatly appreciated.

Seb & Jo Frost