Some of my earliest memories are of visiting my mum in hospital. I thought it was normal, because she’d been in and out of there since my birth.

But I had no idea how serious her illness was, and how she was terrified that she’d never get to see me and my brother grow up.

My mum was diagnosed with leukaemia just after I was born. She was 28 years old.

She went through two gruelling years of chemotherapy and, despite only being given a 5% chance of survival, successfully battled the illness.

Now, every 27 seconds, someone is diagnosed with blood cancer globally. Blood cancer is the most common cancer in children and teenagers.

That’s why I’m doing what I can to help other families have the happy ending I had. It’s the least I can do.

So, starting on 31st July, I will cycle every stage of the 2026 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, one day ahead of the pros.

I’ll ride almost 1,200km and climb nearly 19,000m of vertical ascent in 9 days.

I’m trying to raise £10,000 for Cure Leukaemia, funding clinical trial access and life-saving treatment for children fighting blood cancer.

The ride is completely self-funded so every single donation goes to Cure Leukaemia and their incredible work.

Any donation, large or small, is hugely appreciated. Thank you for supporting Cure Leukaemia and children fighting blood cancer, it means the world to me ❤️

Follow my training for this epic challenge on Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/madswalsh