I've been thinking for a while that I would like to take on a proper cycling challenge. Last year I followed Kajsa Tylen (on Facebook), a very determined lady who spent A Year in the Saddle, quite literally. She cycled every single day of 2016 (achieving an incredible total kms cycled during the course of one year of over 52,000) and is now a Guinness World Record holder. Some feat! She didn't ask for sponsorship, instead she asked people to pledge to do something physical. She called it a Sweat Pledge.

So I decided I would like to do something of my own. Those of you who know me are aware of my love of cycling, so it was the obvious choice, but I wanted to make sure it was a genuine challenge, one that I needed to train for properly and that I would have to 'dig deep' in order to achieve.

I was sitting gorging my way through the traditional Christmas Quality Street tin, when an email arrived, inviting women to join Action for Charity's John O' Groats to Lands End Challenge in September 2017. 

That was it! The perfect opportunity for me to push myself to the limit and, as it's in aid of Women versus Cancer, it was a perfect fit. I lost my sister to breast cancer in 2004 and really want to do something in her memory. I didn't waste any time in signing up, though I did ask the advice of a few people who are aware of my cycling ability (and limits) - it will be the biggest thing I've ever done and I needed a few honest words of encouragement.

Well, now, it appears there is no turning back! 

I' m fully registered and I have embarked on my training. I have a good six months to prepare, but cycling 1,000 miles (c. 1,600km) over 12 days means I will need to spend a fair chunk of my year in the saddle to prepare.

I need to raise a minimum of £3000 to take part. I have paid to register and will, of course, be paying all travel costs as well as any additional expenses throughout the trip. Any money raised on this page will go directly to ActionforCharity. 

It would mean a great deal to me if you would show your support by making a small donation. And if you have any questions about this event, my participation, or anything at all, please just ask. 

And now for a bit official blurb...

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on 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 for the charity.