Doing mad things for Dads

When I started writing this, I thought how I should not do what most people do: ‘I’m raising money for a good cause because of my friend/family member, by doing something I was going to do anyway!’

Well this isn’t the same. Last year I had several long distance cycling fails, mainly through just not being fit enough, and in one case pure mechanical incompetence. It left me with many emotions, especially as my Dad had been ill, which had depleted much of the energy I had for other things in life. So when I finished my work contract last year, I wanted 2025 to be the year to settle my own score with a series of challenges.

Two events changed my focus and my purpose. Last November I lost my Dad at the age of 90, having fought with Merkel Cell Carcinoma (cancer), heart failure and multiple strokes. Then in April this year, an old Dutch friend Jeroen Visser lost his battle with Cholangiocarcinoma after months of health struggles, including a transplant and sepsis. I knew Jeroen for almost 20 years through work, and the shared experience of having a large number of kids all at the same primary school; and also from being thrown around on a Judo mat as Jeroen led the local judo club which I participated in together with my children.

I was lucky to know my Dad as an ancient adult as he never lost his marbles until the very end. This contrasts starkly with losing Jeroen, who was my age.

I think of Jeroen’s kids who are now without their Pappa; they will never have what I enjoyed with my Dad, being there until old age hits, to experience the good and bad things that life bring.

So that is my purpose, for the Vissers, and for what they have lost, and for my Dad who I have lost. It’s made my challenges this year far more important than they ever were.

I’m raising money for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity who looked after Dad so well and gave us an extra 18 months of time with experimental advanced immunotherapy; and for the Sobell House Hospice who looked after Jeroen in his final days. The goal is to ensure that these places can provide support to many more families, giving them extra time with their loved ones.

Me, being me, I try not to do challenges by halves and this year is a big one now with much added purpose and feeling.

I’ve booked myself onto a number of rides starting with London Wales London – 400km in May, The Brian Chapman Memorial – 600km in June, London Edinburgh London – 1,500km in August and just to make life interesting Audax – Lands-End to John O Groats, 1,200km in September (which I bailed out of last year).

All of us – myself, my family, and the Vissers -- would be very grateful for any donations to the Royal Marsden or to Sobell House, both places that gave us extra quality time with our loved ones as their lives came to a close.

I’ll give updates on my progress, or potential lack of it through the year. Thank you for your support.