In 2023, my life changed overnight. I was diagnosed with Large Diffuse B-Cell Lymphoma alongside underlying Follicular Lymphoma. What followed was a difficult period of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, both physically and mentally challenging not just for me, but for my family too. See the picture below of my daughter Maggie giving me a cuddle during my treatment.

Thankfully, I’m now in remission.

However, I live with the reality that Follicular Lymphoma has no cure, but manageable, meaning cancer will always be something I carry with me. As a father of three, during my treatment I often found myself thinking about something even harder, children going through cancer.

I struggled as an adult, with life experience, support, and perspective. I simply couldn’t imagine how difficult that journey must be for children and their families. That’s why I’ve chosen to support Children With Cancer UK a leading charity dedicated to:

• Funding life-saving research into childhood cancers

• Supporting families during diagnosis and treatment

• Investing in better, kinder treatments for children

• Working towards a future where every child survives cancer

They help children not just survive — but live better lives beyond cancer.

Before cancer, cycling was a huge part of my life. I cycled for Team GB and took part in many endurance cycling events. Since treatment, I’ve worked hard to rebuild my fitness, strength and resilience but this will be my biggest challenge since cancer.

I am extremely lucky and grateful to work for Daniel Thwaites, within their Inns division which has some amazing sites in amazing locations, so I decided to use them to support this challenge along the way. I’ll be cycling from The Beverley Arms (East Riding, Yorkshire) To Thwaites Head Office in Mellor, Blackburn via a number of our amazing Inns! The Judges Lodgings - York, Red Lion - Burnsall, Lister Arms - Malham, The Golden Lion, Settle, The Crown Pooley Bridge, The Royal Oak Keswick, Toll House - Lancaster and The Royal - Heysham. The ultimate, extreme pub tour! Over three days I will cycle circa 300 miles with 15000ft of climbing (Ben Nevis X3)

This ride represents, Recovery, Resilience, Gratitude and raising money for children facing something far tougher. I’m incredibly fortunate to be in remission. Many children don’t have that same certainty. This ride is about giving something back, Supporting families going through the unimaginable and helping fund research that saves lives.

If you’re able to donate, no matter how small, it would mean a huge amount. Every pound helps fund research, treatment and support for children and families facing cancer.

Please give whatever you can spare.

Many thanks

Mick x