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This third ride in the Riding2Recovery series will see me cycling unsupported down the west coast of France using the newly opened Velodyssey cycle route before crossing the high passes of the Pyrenees from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediteranean. The journey is around 1600 kilometres in length.

My cycle journeys are a huge personal challenge as I work daily to overcome poor mental health, something I have suffered from for the whole of my adult life. During the rides I speak openly to people in order to reduce stigma and increase awareness of mental health issues.

France will be the first non-English speaking country I have visited since I suffered a major breakdown six years ago and travelling abroad marks both another step forwards in my recovery and a huge personal challenge.

During this ride I will be fundraising for Sustrans. My reason for supporting them is that their trails allowed me to start to cycle safely at a time when I was seriously ill.

The last two winters have seen sections of the trails they have built decimated by bad weather. Surfaces have been destroyed, trees have fallen and broken gates and fences, and the cost of repair is enormous for such a small charity to undertake.

These trails allow cyclists, walkers, families, and disabled people, to enjoy the countryside away from traffic. They also form parts of the National Cycle Network that Sustrans are building for us to enjoy.

The National Cycle Network allows long recreational cycle routes like the Devon coast to coast and the urban sections encourage people to make choices other than driving by linking to train and bus stations as well as schools and colleges.

You can find out more about me and the two books I have written about my journey so far by visiting my website at www.graemewillgress.com.

Please help me to support Sustrans so they can continue to develop, maintain, and expand this vital resource for all of us.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.