I bought my first bike as an adult 3 days ago (2nd July), and so I've decided it would be a great idea to throw myself in at the deep end and do a sponsored challenge to cycle 250km in September in support of PTSD Resolution.

I'll be honest, this feels like a huge challenge to me right now. I'm starting from scratch which means every kilometre will be earned. I'm still in the "wobbling about and desperately trying to avoid hills and traffic" stage of cycling, and my map reading is extremely questionable.

So I've got about 8 weeks to prepare for this, and ideally without becoming a local or national headline.

But it's for a good cause. PTSD Resolution do amazing work with veterans and their family members, and I can personally vouch for how helpful they are. I'll just share their own words for what they do:

PTSD Resolution fills a critical gap in national mental health provision by delivering evidence-based therapy to veterans and families who may otherwise struggle to access support.

Proven Impact

• 5000 veterans, reservists and families have been treated since 2009, with 82% completing their treatment programme, significantly higher than other services

• 79% achieve reliable improvement in their symptoms, while 66% recover completely from PTSD, with treatment completed in an average of just 7 sessions.

• Treatment costs an average of only £910 per client, a fraction of the cost of many other providers, delivered through our nationwide network of 200 accredited therapists across the UK and online globally.

Our Unique Approach

• Free, prompt and confidential support

No GP referral is required, and first appointments are typically available within 12 days, helping to remove barriers to treatment and reduce stigma.

• Human Givens Therapy

Veterans are not required to relive traumatic experiences. Treatment uses guided imagery and relaxation techniques, making it less distressing than many traditional therapies.

• No one left behind

We are one of the few major charities supporting veterans with addiction issues, those in prison, those living overseas and family members affected by military trauma.

Lean and Effective

• 92% of donations go directly to charitable objectives. We have no salaried staff, offices or assets.

Every £1 in fundraising generates £18 towards veterans' treatment

• Quality assured

PTSD Resolution is accredited by the Royal College of Psychiatrists' Quality Network for Veterans Mental Health Services (QNVMHS) and by the Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance as NHS Veteran Aware

I'll try to share updates as I'm going along, although my camera roll is full of unshared things as it is, so here's an extra challenge for the challenge. There will be hills, there will be regrets, there will almost certainly be a moment or 2 where I consider pushing the bike up the hill and pretending it still counts.

If you can spare £1 or share this for me, that would be hugely appreciated!

Now if you'll excuse me, I've gotta go and work out how the gears on this thing work....