Cancer changes your life forever and I still live with the consequences of life-saving treatment. I am now, thankfully, four years in the clear.

It feels like the right time to give back and I am raising money for Maggie's. To support them, I am doing "Miles 4 Maggie's", starting with two 50+ mile bike rides:

- The London to Brighton Bike Ride (21 June)

- The Maggie's Surrey Cycle Challenge (20 Sept)

I’m putting my bum on the saddle, all I ask is that you put your hand in your pocket.

Maggie's is a fantastic charity set up to support people and families living with cancer. They offer practical and emotional support for anyone with any type of cancer, at any stage, for free. They receive no government funds and rely entirely on money raised by their supporters. They focus on the things that really make a difference.

I know this first-hand because I benefited from the work done by the Maggie's Centre at the Royal Marsden, Sutton.

I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in November 2021. I was 40. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, major surgery, six months with a stoma bag, another round of chemotherapy, and finally reversal surgery, meant a challenging 2022. The treatment and care from those at the Royal Marsden is one thing: excellent. But the work done by Maggie's goes beyond: a calm environment; a listening ear; professional support. All invaluable.

Cancer is impacting more and more people, and the work of Maggie's is more important than ever. I want to make sure the next person walking through that door at Maggie's gets the same lifeline I did.