On Sunday July 14th, I'll be getting my bike out to take part in Christie's annual Manchester to Blackpool bike ride to raise money for Ward 86 at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital. Ward 86 specialises in children's oncology and haematology and are taking great care of my friends 8yr old daughter Lottie.

In November last year, Lottie was rushed to Oldham hospital after waking up with a headache and couldn't put any weight on her left foot and her left arm was limp. By lunchtime, Lottie's mum and dad ( Paul & Claire) were given the devastating news that Lottie had a 'mass' on her brain.

After more scans at the MRI, it was confirmed that Lottie had a brain tumour. A couple of days later, Lottie underwent a 7 hour operation to have the tumour removed. Whilst the surgeons were happy with the surgery, the biopsy shown the tumour to be malignant which meant Lottie would need to undergo Chemotherapy and proton beam therapy treatments. Lottie has completed her proton beam treatment and is nearing the completion of her Chemotherapy treatment, she's an absolute inspiration to us all!

Paul and I have been friends since 2018, we met playing for Manchester City' Supporters club against the Manchester Evening News on the Etihad pitch, we still joke about him not passing to me when I was through on goal!!!

I've not ridden my bike for a long time but have jumped at the chance to help Paul raise money for such an amazing cause.