As some of you know, this June I will be riding 1,000km across the Alps from Evian-les-Bains in Geneva to Cannes in the South of France with a group of incredible people called the Fireflies.

We will be climbing over 25,500m in seven days, cycling eight hours a day across some of the most gruelling and infamous Tour De France ascents. We will be crossing 18 mountains, burning over 30,000 calories. 

For those who struggle to process these kinds of figures (like I did...and still do!), think: Everest; three times; in a week. That’s going to be hellish!

I have trained in snow, hail, apocalyptic rain, winds so strong I could barely keep the bike upright, and latterly (mercifully) some sunshine. All this training—the thousands of metres and hundreds of miles I have already pedalled, and the hundreds upon hundreds more I have to do—is in aid of Bloodwise (formerly Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research). This charity is doing an incredible job supporting people with a variety of blood cancers from leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma to other lesser known blood disorders, through pioneering clinical and scientific research at the Hammersmith Hospital in London.

I first heard about the Fireflies a few years ago, and following the loss of my godfather to cancer wanted to do something to honour him. He was one of my all-time favourite humans, so I decided that if I was going to do anything, I needed to do something appropriate; something suitably awesome; something suitably epic. When a close friend was subsequently diagnosed with Stage IV Hodgkin Lymphoma, it galvanised me to act. So, I am riding for him, for her, and for too many other family members and friends who have suffered with cancer.

I cannot claim to be a passionate cyclist, or even someone who cares all that much about bikes (having previously had the same tired old mountain bike since I was about 14 years old and having ridden it maybe twice in the intervening years). I can claim, however, to believe that we should all do our bit. The Fireflies’ motto is: “for those who suffer we ride”. So...I will ride, and I should be very grateful if you would donate.

All money I raise goes directly to Bloodwise. Specifically, the money will be going towards funding a clinical trials nurse at Hammersmith’s first class treatment and research unit. My target is £2000+, so all and any donations would be very much appreciated!

In the course of your lifetime, you will be affected by cancer in one way, shape or form—whether you are unfortunate enough to get it, or someone close to you does. Those are the stats. Over the last 15 years, the Fireflies have raised a phenomenal amount of money for cancer research. So, let’s keep up the good work. Please donate whatever you can, in support of a great cause.

For more information about the Fireflies, check out:

http://thefirefliestour.com/#intro

And this video, from the 2011 tour, showing you what it's all about:

http://youtu.be/TjoGgtmNA_A