"Once more into the saddle dear friends" ...

We had a collective year off in 2025 (for the foreign challenges at least ... we've done plenty in the UK) so Steve Jones and I are back training for our next Velindre adventure.

It's not far off now (May 21st for three days.

For this event we are again raising vital funds for Velindre Cancer Charity through an epic 3 day, 300km cycling challenge from the stunning city of Seville to the glistening coastal town of Marbella.

As we are only too aware from the number of friends and family as well as the number of colleagues here at Peter's, one in two people are affected by cancer, either themselves or through a close family member.

That means that if you live, work or have family in South Wales then you're almost certain to be touched by cancer and treated at Velindre Cancer Centre. The centre fundamentally sits in all our lives at some time or another.

Both Steve and I have seen family, friends and too many work colleagues undergo treatment at Velindre, or in turn their family members. The emotional and psychological impact on family and friends is a secondary impact and no less damaging for that. The wonderful thing about Velindre is that they care so much about how they treat patients as well as what the treatment is. It helps make the unbearable slightly more bearable.

The monies raised are certainly not cover for NHS funds, they provide all the "extras" that aren't really "extras" but fundamental pillars of support for people and critically their families. It might be counselling, children support, research into new treatments and hopefully cures or equipment to support those suffering from this truly awful disease. All these things are charity funded rather than NHS ... and it is towards these that your donation will go.

I will fund the cost of my ride so everything you give goes to Velindre.

Thanks you for your kind and generous support.

Mike