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I was diagnosed in February 2015 with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and I'm currently recovering, and continuing with ongoing cancer treatment and support. At the  age of 39, married with 2 beautiful kids aged 3 and 5, It has been an unwanted experience but one that has been life changing. 

‘Acceptance’ and ‘positivity’ are now my most valued 'life skills' which I hope to use through the rest of my new life - life part 2!

While cancer is very serious, and can result in cutting short so many wonderful lives at all age profiles, I am one of the very lucky ones. Once I was diagnosed I was fortunate to have been able to start treatment immediately and the wonderful doctors and nurses have helped me every step of the way and continue to do so.

At the beginning dealing with the worry of what might happen when you are initially diagnosed is difficult. The road ahead in terms of physical side effects from chemo never entered my head as a challenge (how foolish I was!) but the emotional side of my unwanted journey took its toll early.

Chemotherapy is not a very pleasant journey but one that I embraced but I soon learned how hard it would be. Chemotherapy attacks your body but also your mental strength and I soon learned it was hard to cope when mentally weak and physically weak at the same time.

With the help of counselling and amazing support I quickly realised I had to accept  my illness and the journey ahead. So instead of saying "I am grand" or "I could be worse" when asked how i was, acceptanceenabled me to tell people "I am not well" or "please don't visit today"... it may seem like a small thing but it was the single most important skill I learned on the route to getting better.

So why cycle 'The Ring of Kerry'? Well it lets me demonstrate to myself that YES, I am getting better and it also shows others that might be going through it that you can get better.

Without the support of some amazing people I would not have been skilled up to overcome what the last 12 months delivered. I promised myself to reach out and support some great causes who work in the area of Cancer support and Recovery Haven Kerry is one of these many amazing places - Volunteers giving up their time to help support people going through Cancer.

I hope to do several events as I continue on the road to recovery and can't thank everyone enough who supported me by sending cards and visiting the hospital and just sending simple messages and letting me know they were thinking of me.

If I can pass on that same support in some small way through supporting others then it’s an amazing gift when they are going through a rough time.

So if you can, or would like to donate any small amount it would be greatly received and I will be delighted on your behalf to take on the hills of beautiful Kerry on July 2nd 2016, the one day event will start at 7.30 and depending on how my legs hold up, I will get past the finsh line 180km later - before they all go to bed!! :)

Thanks again to everyone who have already showed me great support in the past 12 months.

 It’s good to be alive!