It's been a challenging couple of years. For many of us, it sometimes felt a bit too much. Fortunately, there’s a way we can help.

Last year, my cousin and I cycled from West Sussex to the south of France. We knew we'd feel better for it. But what blew us away was how much everyone else enjoyed that adventure too.

In fact, they told us not to stop. :)

So here we are, one year later, getting ready to saddle up for a bum-numbing, stamina-stretching, heat-enduring, croissant-chomping and serendipity-seeking 1,230 km cycle ride, wild camping along the backroads of western France, then heading east across national parks to the lovely (and lumpy) Languedoc region to hopefully rejoin our ineffably supportive families.

When you're feeling low, even the easiest things can feel hard to do. This isn't going to be easy, but we hope it lifts your spirits - especially if like last year we get caught in a thunderstorm at 3am, ambushed by a man-sized Smurf, or picked up in a graveyard by a French woman and invited home for apéritifs on the terrace with her husband who was studying the theme of 'freedom' and needed subjects to interview and photograph!

If you'd like to help us spread the feelgoods even further, you can make a big difference with even a small donation. Every pound will go to the marvellous people at Mind who dedicate every day to nurturing mental heath across the UK.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, quick and secure. Your details are safe - they don't share them with anyone and only send you a couple of confirmation emails.

JustGiving send your money directly to Mind. That makes this the most efficient way to donate - saving time, cutting costs, and bringing many people back home safely from a long, hard journey. xx