We are all wrapped around 60 years old, and in 23 days, we will try to cycle across the Pyrenees from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. 750 kilometres with 13,000 metres of climbing. In just 100 hours. Gulp!

We are: Steve Shirley – Road Captain (a big demotion from his previous rank); Paul Barker – Logistics (used to substantially more complexity but then again hasn’t done it for a while); Rob Tate – Nutrition (extensive previous experience as a restaurant customer); And me Martin Davies – social media (zero experience) and the catalyst. Martin & Steve will be doing the whole thing and Rob & Paul will be super domestiques, soigneurs and mechanics.

So why are we doing this?

In 2025 following the classic symptoms of hearing and balance issues, my wife Sarah-Jane was diagnosed with an Acoustic Neuroma which is a type of brain tumour

As the consultant comfortingly said at the time “If you are going to get a brain tumour, this is the one to get.” They are always benign and generally grow very slowly. Many people can have them and live with them without any intervention necessary

But this one grew very fast

So in early 2026 she had it removed by 3 surgeons in a 10.5 hour operation

Despite continuing to suffer from single sided deafness and some related balance issues, she leads a full and active life including running a support group for other sufferers

How can you help? Well, I had always thought giving to medical charities was about curing diseases but now I know better

It’s about tea, and biscuits, and talking and listening

£5 buys a box of teabags and some biscuits. Or pays for a room in a community hall for 15 minutes

And in that 15 minutes someone tells their story and somebody else says something that helps them feel better understood and less alone

So a fiver makes people feel better, it’s as simple as that….but please give more if you are able

Thanks