Mum and son taking on the challenge of the Routes Des Grandes Alpes on their bikes, unsupported, carrying everything they need including camping equipment.

We are Arran (age 13) and Libby (Arran’s Mum who doesn’t like to talk about her age but is definitely too old for this) are flying to Geneva on 15th July with our bikes, assembling them at the airport and then riding 700km south with around 18000m of uphill to Nice. We will take on 16 alpine cols including the likes of the Cormet de Roseland, Col d’Iseran, Galibier, Izoard and Col de la Cayolle. We are hoping to swim in as many pools, rivers and lakes as we can en route and eat our body weights in pain au chocolat.

We have been doing lots of training – day and multi day rides to test the kit and ourselves but it’s going to be tough – riding an average of 1250m of uphill, some climbs are 30km and it will be hot and then having to set up a camp each night, maintain bikes, eat and fit in some sleep. Decamping and doing it all again the next day.

Why are we doing this? Well my lovely Mum passed away this year, good friends have been very unwell, I am not getting any younger and Arran will, in a few years. be leaving the nest. Time for a bit of Carpe Diem. Hence the name seize_ the_fish.

We thought that others could benefit from our cycling suffering so we are raising money for two charities that support illnesses that have affected people we love - Arran is raising money for Dementia UK and for me it's Cancer Research UK. Just Giving doesn’t allow money to be split between 2 charities whilst also receiving Gift Aid so I have created 2 fundraising pages and linked them. You can chose which to donate to, I would have split the money 50/50

I realise money is tight right now but if you can sponsor us that would be really appreciated – and it will motivate us to keep grinding those pedals up the 10% gradients on some of the climbs.

You can follow us and receive updates on our progress (and send us encouragement?) on Instagram at seize_the_fish.