After eight years of heading south and chasing the autumn sun for 550 miles, this year we are staying in Brittany and hugging the coastline before heading inland. Fingers crossed for dry weather and although no mountains there is still plenty of climb over the three days.

Rest assured I will earn every penny donated as I push my nearly 60 year old body (unbelievable I know...) to the limit. My Garmin watch tells me each year to slow down but what does it really know.

Donations this year will be to Cancer Research, British Heart Foundation and the amazing Demelza.org.uk .