View from the top: I will ride 100 miles

This week’s update is on a personal note. In early July, I will be doing a charity cycle ride of over 100 miles to help raise funds for my beautiful granddaughter, Isla.

Isla was born just over 2 years ago with Cerebral Palsy. This cruel condition has impacted greatly on Isla’s life and we want to do all we can to help her to live a more independent life. She would love to be able to sit on her own, stand, possibly talk and eventually, one day, take independent steps. Born at 27 weeks, the first couple of months were touch and go. But after 107 days in hospital, this little fighter came home. Every day is a challenge for mum and dad, but we have some hope.

Stem Cell treatment is available in the USA and the clinical trials have showed positive results. Isla is a match with the stem cells taken from her baby brother, Leo, and after months of further tests, she has been accepted by the global leader in this field of research, Dr Joanne Kurtzberg. However, the treatment is costly, hence this fundraising.

So, with my two replacement knees and a replacement shoulder, I am being supported by my great pals Andrew McKie and Dave Merrick, who will provide all the encouragement necessary. We shall cycle from Bath to Salisbury, before heading north to Marlborough and then back to Bath. The furthest I’ve cycled before is 25 miles, so this will be a challenge!

I’m aiming to raise what I can towards an overall target of £25k for Isla’s treatment and resulting intensive physio.

If you are able to support, please follow the link to my JustGiving page here.

You can follow Isla on Instagram here.