Most of you know I like to ride a bike a fair bit… and I think at least some of you know I have trouble with depression.

My plan is to increase awareness of mental health problems and to raise money for YoungMinds by riding the Haute Route Pyrenees. YoungMinds is a charity that helps young people that are having trouble with their mental health.

The Haute Route? Imagine 500 amateur riders competing for a week of the Tour de France. I had been training to try for a top ten overall finish this year after coming 11th a couple of years back, but having had trouble with depression for several months of this year I ended up stopping cycling entirely for a length of time and didn’t think I would ride at all. I’m now in a position where I’m training hard to try and finish the full week.

Even if you don’t donate, at least take a second to know that depression can leave you staring at blank walls, unable to engage in social interaction or find enjoyment anywhere. It all gets pretty dark. It is something that is difficult to comprehend even when you have experienced it personally, so best of luck to everyone else trying to figure it out.

Any donations would be greatly appreciated.
(I’ve left fundraising about as late as the training - only a few weeks to go!)

Look after yourselves x