Well here we are at day 5 - final day of cycling!! I started the day off really nicely with a FaceTime conversation with Steve. All is well back home - the kids are being superstars so all good. After a good breakfast we got on the bus for a transfer to our starting point. We've only got about 69km to do today & there was a really good vibe amongst the group. We were all wearing our yellow Marie Curie tops so looked great (even if they are the sweatiest, most unflattering things ever!). Some of the group attached photos of the person they were cycling in memory of - Lesley had her husband Neil (I used to work with Neil) & Pantera Billy had his sister who was only 47 years old when she passed away. Emotions were running high - we were excited, pensive & there were a few tears before we even got going. Although the group bonded quickly in the week we had all cycled at our different paces with a fast group up front. Today was different & we all cycled as a pack. The fast ones hung back to chat, we all cycled steadily & took in the sights which again were great. More kids running out to say hello, cows crossing the road, make shift bridges to cross. We even had to walk about a km through sand because the locals had started building a road that the guides weren't aware of. In the last stretch we went single file through jungle which was fun due to various dips & obstacles! We all gathered 3km before the finish so a couple if the group that had been travelling in the mini bus due to illness/injury could join us for the last bit. Cycling into Siem Reap was so exciting! I had butterflies the whole time. I couldn't believe that after all the preparation & panic here we were with just 3km to go! Tom, Dad, Fi & I were cycling together so we could cross the finish line as Team Healey! I tried filming it (see videos) but I got a lot of the ground because I had to use the brakes due to the ground being uneven! On crossing the line I burst into tears, so did Dad & lots of others. It was so emotional! After lots of cuddles & group photos we went to a bar for a freshen up & a cold beer - it tasted amazing! Then onto the bus to our hotel, quick shower & out for a lovely dinner followed by a presentation. Janine the Marie Curie rep announced that the current fundraising amount stood at around £166,000 with more coming in all the time which is incredible.
We were on such a high that off we went to party. Can you believe that there is a street called "pub street" that's full of.......you guessed it! It was great fun. All the bars & clubs had seating outside & there was street dancing - at one point the whole street was doing the Macarena - hilarious. And so the dancing continued way into the night & morning. Tom walked me home at 4.30am - I couldn't hack the pace. He then went back out for another hour. I think the last ones home met the tour group heading out for a tour of the temples at 7am!! I knew I'd be in no fit state so didn't sign up for the tour. I just made breakfast at 9.20am then spent the morning by the pool until everyone returned at 1pm. I like to think that Steve & will visit this part of the world at some point in life so was not fussed about spending 3.5 hours sight seeing with a hangover. Plus I know that as soon as I set foot in my house on Sunday morning it'll be back to life as normal so I took a few hours out to chill.
At 2pm we boarded the bus, waved to half the group that had extended their trip & set off for the airport. I was a little sad to be leaving but super excited to head home & see my wonderful boys (that includes you Steve!).

I am currently sitting on the plane writing this to upload later. We have an hour & a half to go & I cannot wait!!
It has been a wonderful week with a few lows but a lot of highs. I am so lucky to have had the opportunity to take part in this amazing challenge. I've met some lovely people who I am totally in awe of - to lose loved ones to a fatal illness is something I hope I never have to experience. I can see why Dad & Fi keep coming back for more. Thank you again - I really cannot say it enough - to my family & friends who have held the fort at home to enable me to do this.
And of course thank you so much to everyone who has contributed to our fundraising total. The website will be live for another few months so it's not too late!
www.justgiving.com/Tom-Healey-and-Liz-jump

With lots of love
Xxx