Those that know me will know I've always been active... December 2012 I had knee surgery and complications from it during 2013 hampered my recovery, I still haven't returned to running and I am no longer active as a football referee, something I used to love and was committed too.  

Some being very active to 12 months of trying to become active again with limited progress is very frustrating and over a period of time, it effects your self esteem significantly.  I put on weight and no longer felt fit or healthy

In February 2014, not wanting to give up and needing to try something to get back to how I used to be, get back to being Stephen, I decided for the first time in 5-6 years I'd try cycling... I haven't looked back!!

I'm active again, fit, mentally better and lost 3 stone.... But the winter is coming and I wanted to find a challenge to keep me motivated over the winter months and keep me on the bike.  So I started looking into Charity bike rides for 2015.

MacMillan came up on my searches, for years since my father passed away I've been saying I'll do something but never have.  Flying out on the 22nd September to Geneva, this will be within a few weeks of the 20th anniversary since Dad passed away as well as my Grandmother at the same time.  This is the chance to finally repay MacMillan for the support my family received during this period, this is my chance to make my contribution and I have huge motivation to complete this opportunity & challenge.  The ride itself will be 550km from 23rd to 26th September over 4 days.

The plane tickets to Geneva are booked!!!  Training is going well....

Since committing myself to the Alps Challenge, I had been invited by Nottinghamshire Police Cycling Club to join them on a potentially huge venture/challenge called "Castle 2 Castle"  in 2016.  Sadly the planning for this event has disbanded.

However, I have committed myself with MacMillan directly to another charity event in 2016, the 2016 Dragon Devil, 305km in 1 day in the south of Wales.  Sunday 5th June 2016, committed and booked!!  My fundraising will continue...

2017 I have a new goal, to be booked very shortly, Venice to Rome, 4 days, 594km, update to follow...