Back in 2012 our families world was rocked when our then 5 year old daughter Natalia was admitted to hospital with a life threatening brain tumour and pressure on the brain. (Hydrocephalus)

She was rushed to Birmingham children’s hospital and underwent a series of operations that safely removed the tumour. The neurology and oncology departments were amazing from the moment we set foot into the hospital so the support and follow up they offered for the next 12 years. The staff at BCH made what was a terrifying and confusing situation as bearable as possible. No one wants their child to ever go to hospital, but knowing we have places like this that literally save and change young lives is such a comfort.

This year Natalia turns 18, she’s happy, healthy and she has grown into a amazing young woman, who without the treatment she received, would not be here today. We quite literally owe BCH everything.

So what are we doing this time to fund raise?

Through my job in the cycling industry, I have been lucky enough to take part in, and organise several charity events, the highlight being the now annual charity vEverest event. We hold this event in store, it’s a mass participation event where we get people to bring their trainers and equipment to the shop. Each person is riding their own ride, they may be attempting a basecamp, a full vEverest, an Everesting 10k or even a double or triple!

For me, I feel this will be my last virtual Everesting event, I have managed to complete a fair few now and the only Hells 500 digital badge I have left to earn is the triple vEverest. I have no idea if I have what it takes, I have no idea if it’s possible for me, more people have walked on the moon than have completed a triple vEverest. It’s a step into the unknown. I will attempt to ride 3 x compete vEverest back to back in one activity. The double took me 27 hours. If I can pull this off I estimate I will be riding for nearly 2 days straight.

Each rider in the team will be riding their own event, but graciously have agreed to raise funds for BCH as part of a team effort. Without people willing to undertake these extreme challenges these charity events would not take place. Whatever happens on the day, anyone who signs up for such a challenge has nothing but my admiration and respect. Everesting and vEveresting is not for everyone. It really is one of the most difficult challenges you can take on involving a bicycle. Chapeau to every single person that has joined in and thrown their leg over a bike in this endeavour.