Following the death of my father suddenly of irreversible heart failure back in 2013, I took a long look at my life and decided that I wanted to challenge myself. 2013 was a real traumatic year for me as only two months before he died, my marriage broke down after 9 years. I suddenly found myself marooned with no parents around and living in a place that I didn't particularly want to be.
I'd looked at the Ride Across Britain and decided that's the challenge I'd want. Soon after, and I didn't ask for it, I developed a serious anxiety condition that not only would make me ill, but would also end my career in sales too.
So to cut a long story short, I retrained as a massage therapist, have my own practice and I'm back on track.
How are we Raising Money?
So the challenge, I'm cycling 969 from Lands End to John o' Groats taking part in a self funded Deloitte Ride Across Britain.
It takes place between 9th-17th September and I will be riding over 100 miles a day. As I've never cycled before, doing this is taking some serious commitment which means two heavy gym sessions a week doing compound weight training and two cycles a week leading up to being able to complete 100 miles in one day.
We’re Raising Money for Willow Wood Hospice
I am cycling for Willow Wood Hospice in Ashton under Lyne who provide palliative care to Tameside and Glossop. Having done a placement in a hospice as part of my massage qualification, I have seen first hand just how important this service is and how dedicated the staff are.
Hospices rely heavily on fundraising and in fact are under funded, hence the hope is to raise £2,000 for Willow Wood. Of course I want to raise a lot more and I'm calling upon local businesses and individuals to go to my fundraising page. I don't want 9 days of cycling to be in vain. Every 40 miles I do , I'm burning around 1600 Calories. There are some really tough climbs and every mile is for Willow Wood.
Benefits for our Sponsors
For every business who sponsor us, we will create a sponsorship link on our website. At the end of the cycle, hope is to issue a thank you press release and to include businesses who have donated.
I am looking for a few business pledges to really boost the total and get me way past the conservative figure of £2,000.
Individuals all add to the total no matter how small, hence these donations are vitally important.
"How Can I Donate?"
You can donate directly or anonymously by visiting the Virgin money giving account or clicking the button below.
Donate