I am married to Sam one of the “Tea Sisters". In 2023, our family was absolutely ripped apart (if you know us, you know why), then just when you think things could not get any worse – cancer had its own plans.

My mother in law – Sharon Tea, the person that was powerfully holding us all together in our darkest times, was diagnosed with Cancer on the 21st June 23’, and passed away just 10 days later on the 1st July 23’.

Cancer, you are a heartless thief, we had to witness you first hand steal everything precious from Sharon. You stole her ability; to move out of bed, give us a hug and a kiss, eat and drink her favourite things, talk to her loved ones, share her thoughts/feelings and final wishes, to be a Wife, Mum and Nanna. Cancer, you stole our world, the most kind-hearted beautiful soul; our powerful, fiercely independent, strong minded, considerate and loving Mum who went out of her way to help anyone – no matter what. She was incredibly intelligent and had a wonderful sense of humour which endeared her to everyone she encountered -she was beautiful inside and out. The thing is Cancer, you are still ripping our family apart - you just cannot seem to help yourself.

Sharon’s final wish was to make sure we gave back to Macmillan, who got her home to be cared for in the final days. So, in 2024 to begin to rebuild and find us again and fulfil Sharon’s wishes we are going to try and complete a challenge of 1954 miles (Mums Date of birth) in 10 months, finishing on Mums birthday 15th Oct 2024. We will each be completing 1954 miles, sometimes together, sometimes under our steam. The idea being we raise as much money as possible to give back to an amazing charity that helped and supported us when we needed it the most.

To complete the challenge, we will need to do around 48miles of exercise (walk, bike, run, sports- whatever will count as miles) each week per person. We have also pushed ourselves way out of our comfort zone and entered into a few charity challenge events to clock up the miles, with the help of some family and friends who have madly wanted to accompany us.

Saturday 11th May 24’, we are taking part in the Mighty Marathon Hike along the picturesque Norfolk coastline.

Sam and I will be mostly completing our challenge by cycling 1200miles, stopping at 23 schools across the UK for a road safety and child bereavement awareness talk.

As a group we will be organising a1950s Charity Ball at the end of October to celebrate our 10 months of fundraising, and maybe just maybe raise a bit more cash.

By fundraising we could help similar families like ours when they need it the most. By donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and secure. Your details are safe, JustGiving - they'll never sell them or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So, it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs.