Tracy and I are cycling 300 miles from London to Paris over 4 days in support of Disability Snowsport UK (DSUK). DSUK are making snow sports more accessible for both adults and children through ski sessions at indoor centres around the UK, and through partnering with companies such as Crystal Ski to be able to offer everyone the opportunity to visit the mountains and try their hand at skiing, whether being accompanied whilst skiing themselves, being taken down in a sit-ski, or learning to manage their own mono-ski.

As many of you will know, I am an avid skier (and now boarder too!) and have a love of the mountains. Over the many years I have had the privilege to be able to indulge in the sport, I have become more aware of the facilities on offer for those people less able bodied than myself and have developed a respect for those that do not let their disabilities hold them back.

My nephew Sebastian was born 8 weeks premature and diagnosed with cerebral palsy whilst he remained in hospital in an incubator for several months. Seeing the time and effort that my sister and her partner have to dedicate to looking after him has spurred me to try to do something to help. My sister has also always loved skiing and would love to have the chance to introduce Sebastian when he is older. I therefore want to learn the skills required to be able to assist my nephew, other children and adults, to enjoy snowsports as much as any able bodied person.

I am a member of DSUK and currently volunteer once a month at Hemel Hempstead Snowdome assisting and supporting disabled skiers. Through my volunteering, I have experienced first hand how DSUK makes a difference and enhances the lives of those it supports, not only through the exhilaration of hurtling down a slope, but by teaching them new skills and benefitting their development. My goal for 2015 is to train as an adaptive ski instructor in order that I can provide more qualified support and encouragement in the future.

Tracy is a nurse and some of her young patients benefit from the support and facilities offered by DSUK therefore she also experiences the difference the charity is making to their lives.

We will be training hard over the coming months, putting in many miles and hill practice, therefore we would both be extremely grateful for your support and any donations you would be willing to provide to help us reach our target.

Thank you very much in advance

Sarah and Tracy