Trying to start this story is pretty difficult, as other than my husband, my mum and some close friends, not that many people will know that for over 20 years I have lived with a debilitating condition called Endometriosis.

Endometriosis is the name given to the condition where cells like the ones in the lining of the womb (uterus) are found elsewhere in the body.

I wont go in to the gory details, but during this time, amongst other symptoms, I have suffered with chronic pain & fatigue and the condition caused my infertility which was very difficult to cope with and has had unimaginable consequences on my life.

I have received every treatment in the book and just over 3 months ago I had a full hysterectomy which was the final treatment option.

Over the last 3 years I have taken up Pilates and Cycling (not at the same time) and both of these activities have contributed to my emotional and physical wellbeing and I have met some great people and achieved some amazing things. 

I have retreated and lived in a mud hut with no ensuite!!! and only a head torch to get me to the loo, I have learnt to meditate and been mind-full and my best achievement, thanks to my lovely friends at iCycle Bedford, I have cycled 101 (the 1 is very important) miles in one go!

Whilst recovering  from the hysterectomy, the cycling weather was amazing, with the mildest autumn and winter ( I was gutted) and having time on my hands I decided to set myself some goals, one being to complete a closed road cycling event. The other is to get a dog, (I'm working on convincing Tim this is a good idea!).

So, after getting the nod from the gynaecologist in January, I started cycling again and slowly over the past 6 weeks have increased the miles in the saddle and last Saturday did the first sportive of the season, completing 42 miles, it wasn't pretty, but I made it.

Now I am starting the training to complete the Velothon Wales which is a 140km (87 mile) cycle ride. Yes, I have done this distance in the past, BUT (and it is a BIG BUT) there are 2 big climbs involved, one of which is up a "mountain", yes I did say a mountain!!!

I am doing this to celebrate my life, because life is good, I am feeling a million times better than I have for so many years and I have the love and support of my husband and family (my mum thinks I'm nuts) who have supported me and at times suffered with me over the years.

Endometriosis is a nasty condition which is sometimes difficult to diagnose and has no cure, so I thought, why not be bold and share my story and hopefully raise a bit of money for this small charity, to help them to at least support people, often really young ladies, deal with this condition and at best, help find a prevention and/or a cure.

Thanks for taking the time to read this and if I don't raise that much, thats fine, it all helps. Whatever you feel you can contribute will be gratefully received.

Thank You :)