I had to pinch myself when I saw the 100th blog post approaching. Have I really been writing this blog for that long? I’m using an old cliché here, but it really feels like yesterday when I started.

But then I look back and so much has happened since then. On a personal level, we have cycled through Europe and moved to Finland. I am fast approaching my third cancerversary.

On a global level, me seem to be, at last, coming out on the other side of COVID.

When I first started writing a blog, I had no plan of where I was going with it.

The idea was just to write to record my journey since the cancer diagnosis. It also worked as therapy for me. It helped me to process what was happening.

Maybe somewhere in the back of my mind, I thought it might help someone to read about my experience.

But that was always the secondary purpose of the blog.

First and foremost, it was for me. And maybe for those close to me. So they could understand what was going on with me better as I have never been the greatest talker. At least not of my feelings. I find it easier to write about them.

The first blog was “Let’s talk about the C-word – the other C-Word” and it was very basic. But I wasn’t after anything fancy where I would first need to spend hours learning how to use it. I just wanted to write and get my thoughts out of my head.

However, when we got the idea for the charity ride, it was time for an upgrade. A rebranding if you like. I know, being very fancy with my vocabulary choice!

Blogspot was great to begin with, because I didn’t need to know anything about website building. But it was also very limiting. For example, I couldn’t create separate pages for subscribing to the newsletter or information about the fundraiser.

By the way, I am 100% aware that I need to update some pages on the blog. But I created the website so long ago that I have forgotten how to edit pages!

Relearning how to edit them is on my to do list. I will get to it very soon.

Since Blogspot couldn’t do what I wanted, I needed something more sophisticated. And something more professional looking. Cue hours of studying WordPress and eventually the new blog, Cycling For Cancer was born.

I shall not go into details of the frustration and prolific swearing that took place during the process. But I got there in the end.

Justin helped, too. He went to his mum’s for a few nights so I could work in peace. Probably best for our relationship, too, as I was getting rather short-tempered when the website creation wasn’t going quite as I planned.

When it was done, it was safe for him to come home. I may (or not) be exaggerating here.

I am proud to have created something that helps spread awareness of womb cancer and Lynch Syndrome and helped us raise money for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. Our fundraiser has now closed, but you can always donate for the charity here.

Once I have updated the website pages, there will be other ways to support our future projects, too.

I am also proud to have created something that people enjoy reading. The numbers of daily visitors are growing steadily and so is the number of subscribers to the newsletter.

On that note, if you haven’t subscribed yet, you can do so here. By subscribing, you will be among the first to know about the exciting plans we have for the future of Cycling For Cancer.

We are not yet ready to reveal too much – there is a lot of work to be done first – but I can say that the plans involve cycling (of course), Finland and Christmas.

Apologies for keeping it so cryptic, but we will reveal more as soon as possible. We are both so excited about this idea and can’t wait to see it taking shape.

I might have started the first blog mainly for myself, but I doubt I would still be writing now if it weren’t for all of you. My heart sings when I see the numbers of daily readers grow. It really does.

We both want to thank you all for your support. It means so much. It has helped us raise money and awareness.

As a thank you for being here, and to celebrate the 100th blog post, the next newsletter will include a little gift. So if you haven’t already, now is the perfect time to subscribe.

Until next time, and as always, thank you for being here.

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