Thank you

So this is it. The Solo Sea to City Row has been a big part of my life in the last year and following the row fundraising continued thanks to a number of talks and articles. Now it is time to bring it to an end.

I've tested and discovered my physical limits - and actually writing that remembering that I exceeded them too causing some (repairable) damage - but I also exceeded my expectations. As the stubborn person I am, I knew I would push myself through everything and ignore the experts saying it shouldn't be attempted, and I probably thought I knew where this would go. I wasn't even close.

I was totally unprepared for the truly overwhelming support and love from you all, from family and friends, friends I have lost touch with, and from complete strangers. If you're looking for the 'good' in the world, then this is it. So many people who came together so that I could honour my mum and whether it was a donation, advice, giving time or words of support, thank you to every one of you because you made this possible.

With your help I raised over £15,000 for Cancer Research UK and I'm also pleased to say I am now a Cancer Research UK ambassador. I also recently found out I've been awarded Special Commendation in the category of Pioneer of the Year for the Flame of Hope awards.

In bringing the challenge to an end, I only realised yesterday through some very confusing waves of emotion (!) that this has given me some sense of connection to my mum that's hard to put into words. I'm lucky to be surrounded by such amazing people, I'm proud of this achievement, and she would be proud.

Thank you all.