From the 9th September I will be taking on 40tude's Slovenia Cycle Challenge, riding up to 482km in just 3½ days, with over 6000m of climb.

This will be the fifth time I have donned the Lycra for 40tude. In late 2012 my mother had colon cancer, and I undertook my first equivalent ride in Mallorca in 2013, then Italy in 2014, Paris to London in 2015, and Catalonia in 2016. My mother is all good now (still) and I'm very lucky, but having had some time out of the saddle, for many reasons (not least my four daughters), I decided I needed to go again!

Why, you may well ask?

Colon (bowel)cancer is the number one cancer killer of non-smokers in the UK, but it is one of the easiest cancers to treat if it is detected early. 40tude aims to raise awareness of the importance of getting tested regularly for this treatable cancer, ideally from your mid-40s.

It’s really easy to get tested: FIT is a simple test that can be done at home. 40tude has partnered with Selph, a well-regarded provider of at-home tests. You can buy a qFIT (high-sensitivity poo test) via Selph's website at: https://www.selph.co.uk/tests/q-fit-bowel-cancer-test

If you can make a donation it would be hugely appreciated, but the most important thing you can do is to get yourself tested regularly for colon cancer, and encourage everyone you know to do the same.

Thank you for your support. Together we can reduce the number of families affected by colon cancer.