So why am I doing this?
Some of you already know that I embarked on a fundraising challenge in 2013, starting from scratch buying a bike in March that year to train for a London to Paris cycle event in September, to raise money for Parkinson's UK.
Well I got hooked! Since then, I've now ridden London to Paris in 2014 & 2015, joined on both occasions by my son Adam who hadn't cycled (or owned a bike) since passing his test 4 years earlier at 17. But the "main event" for me that year was the challenge of cycling through Death Valley, USA, for Parkinson's UK.
In 2016 I completed the tough London to Paris 24hr event in memory of my dad, who 20 years ago died at only 54 from Bowel Cancer. Although I missed the "24 hr" chronology of this event, the cycling time - i.e. excluding the rough ferry crossing and water-stops, was 17 hours & 17 mins.
Having fundraised for Parkinson's UK, Fibroduck and Bowel Cancer UK, my Grand Canyon challenge will be for Brain Tumour Research. 15 years ago my mum died from a brain tumour which although initially successfully operated-on, returned a year later and was then inoperable. She was only 57.
And then in May 2016, my son Adam suffered a series of seizures in quick succession one morning before work, and a brain tumour was found. At only 23, Adam faced this huge battle head-on with unstoppable determination that has simply blown us all away. After an operation to remove the tumour, and then an intensive course of radiotherapy, he is now halfway through chemotherapy after which he can get on with his life.
Brain Tumours can strike anyone, of any age, at any time. So much more needs to be leaned about this form of cancer, which in the UK receives less than 1% of national cancer funding. There are more than 120 different types, making diagnosis difficult.
My fundraising will contribute to Brain Tumour Research's vision - to find a cure for Brain Tumours.
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
