As you can probably tell from the photos, I have known Alison Burton since 1985 – and thanks to our mutual disdain for the demeaning drama-school ‘teachings’ we had to endure together ("being electricity" or embodying animal spirits), she has been my surrogate big sister in crime ever since.

Fast-forward 40 years, and Alison has been diagnosed with a grade IV glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer – which is why I have decided to raise money on here for the Brain Tumour Charity, whose vital research is working towards, hopefully, one day finding a cure.

Ever since Alison’s devastating diagnosis, and the ensuing treatments to prolong her life, I have been in awe of how she continues to stay as positive – and look as fabulous – as she always does. Cycling 100 miles feels like a piece of piss compared to everything she has had to endure over the last year, so please donate as generously as you can. Thank you!