June 2013 - Paris to London.

Initially I was scheduled to cycle from Land's End to John O'Groats in Scotland. All was well on track until I became very ill and my training had to be put aside.  As it is now, for me, far too close to departure to undertake such a massive ride without the appropriate training, I have changed the route for this year.

On June 23, 2013, I am setting out from Paris to cycle the Avenue Verte route to London, via the Newhaven ferry.  At this stage I aim to complete it comfortably in four days, putting arrival in London on June 27th.

The start date is a significant one for me personally - June 22nd is the anniversary of the fatal car accident that left me without a spleen, and with many serious injuries. It has taken me a long time to recover physically - even to this day I suffer from the consequences of some of the injuries, which included a ruptured spleen, collapsed lung, broken ribs, broken foot, a badly lacerated liver, broken teeth, and a bit of a smack to the head. Oh, and now I have a little finger that sticks out almost 45 degrees to my hand...  One of the hardest parts of the recovery has been the emotional side of things - trying to deal with the anger and frustration about the accident itself, combined with the numbing fear I have carried when around roads and cars. Some days it is a challenge to get in a car to the point that there are times when I don't manage it. Part of my method of dealing with that is trying to confront my fears, doing things that scare me in order to make myself stronger.  Riding amongst traffic is one of those things that makes me feel incredibly vulnerable, but I know it will also be a liberating achievement. Starting the day after the anniversary is another way for me to keep turning the page on that event.

The Helen Foundation means a great deal to me, following my own experience, but also because of the fantastic work they do in fostering a passion for the arts in young people.  It is the creative industries that help sustain me today.

So, please consider sponsoring me on this adventure. I'm very much looking forward to the ride, and hopefully raising a lot of money for a wonderful charity, run by amazing people.