A MESSAGE FROM SIMON.

As some of you may already be aware, I'm about to embark upon possibly the greatest physical challenge I've ever set myself cycling the entire length of the UK...and that's the crazy bit, no engine..

From the time I was six when I realised my dad had blatantly lied to me that he was still holding on to the back of the saddle, I had a love of cycling.

He was a pretty special man my father, so you can imagine how our family life changed beyond recognition when he lost his battle with lymphatic cancer after five long years back in 1995. He was treated by the wonderful team at Mount Vernon hospital in Hertfordshire which, coincidentally, turned out to be the same bunch who helped me with my own close shave with the Big C nearly two years ago.

That love of cycling had lain buried for many years until, feeling the need for an extreme challenge, my friend suggested we ride the LEJOG route. For those unfamiliar with the term (I was) that's 1066 miles from the very foot of Land's End right up to the hat of John O'Groat's in wee bonnie Scotland in just 12 days. Both he and I are doing it for the benefit of cancer charities, me to the Cancer Treatment and Research Trust at Mount Vernon to try and help repay that un-repayable debt and so they can continue to help many more people in the future.

Having done a bit of training over the last few months I know I will suffer greatly, have moments of utter despair and be unable to contemplate placing my skinny saddle sore arse back on the bike after days and days on the road... but then that toil and discomfort is nothing compared to what people have to endure on a daily basis when they are living with cancer.

So on the 22nd of June I will set off with my equally insane friend Olly on our 12-day trek oop North. Just us, no support.

It would be totally brilliant if you could help me on my way by donating through my Justgiving page www.justgiving.com/simoneakhurst1 It's quick, easy and totally secure. It's also the most efficient way to sponsor me. The Cancer Treatment and Research Trust will get your money faster and, if you're a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So my father may not be behind my bike in person anymore, but I hope that him and all you lovely people will be there in spirit getting me through those thousand odd miles in aid of such a worthy cause.

Thank you so much in advance for your generosity, from me and from all those people who will benefit from your good deed.

Hope to catch up soon.

Simon x