Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Im really really sorry for doing another one of these. I promise to not have any more tragedies for a long while. Promise

My Aunt, Fiona, has been working tirelessly for months now as she has taken on the challenge of raising money for a whole year, in memory of my Dad.

The money raised will go directly to the Hospice that looked after him before he passed away. Nothing donated will go towards my efforts.

I've been promising to do something for ages, but there's always been something better to do. Pick my nose. Look out of the window. Teach my kids the rude songs my Dad taught me (dont tell George)

But now, with the help of a couple of friends, I've finally got around to doing 'my bit'

But before I tell you about that, let me tell you a little about the hospice.

My Dad, my hero, was diagnosed with lung cancer back in 2010. That day was exactly everything you'd expect it to be. Sadly, a lot of you wont need to imagine what that day feels like. 

After a very short fight it became apparent that this was one fight my old man wasn't going to win. That day, when he decided the best place for him would be the hospice (he decided, not us, he thought it would be easier on Mum, i think that says everything about him) was exactly how you would expect it to be.  I genuinely don't have the words

The transfer to the hospice, the mechanics of palliative care, the unusual surroundings, the fear, the realisation of where we were. Everything. Exactly as you'd expect it to be

Then after 24 hours. It wasnt as you'd expect it to be

Not even in the slightest

It was the opposite 

Dads meds were balanced and he was happy

We relaxed into the new surroundings, and seeing Dad comfy and relaxed made us happy

The 462 relatives that were there all the time, telling jokes regurgitated from every family party since 1969. Happy

And that is the weird thing about this place. It's not a sad place. Dont get me wrong, I didnt want to be there. But its not sad

Its smiling. Its accepting. Its good enough to pull you and yours out of the dark hole you've been in for weeks, months or even years

When Dad passed away I have a very vivid memory of going there the next day, and not wanting to leave. I think we even stayed for a cup of tea (they do good tea)

So, thats it, thats why im doing this. This place can make you happy, when you have no right to be so, at all, and I'll always love it because of that and what they did for my Dad

So, what am i doing?

In September I'm going to the Alps with two mates, and we're going to cycle up 5 of the hardest mountain passes known to the Tour De France

No seriously, we are

Stop laughing

STOP LAUGHING

Thats not very nice

Im a honed (ish) athlete

The five climbs (within current plans) are :

14th September - Mount Ventoux

15th September - Alpe D'Huez

16th September - Col du Glandon

17th September - Col Du Galibier

18th September - Col de la Madeleine

We have another couple of possibles up our sleeves and the order could change depending on weather. The wind can be really bad

Flipping protein shakes for you

So that's it

Please, help me, to help Aunti Fo, to help them

Lots of love

S xx

Ps, I promise, after this, thats it, no more Lycra and charity. Honest.