Hi everyone,

My name is Marie and I am challenging myself to 7 days of cycling in support of SMK Gateway to raise funds for The Seed Centre - their forever home and hub for the community. This fundraiser unifies my passion for cycling, my love for our beautiful city and my ongoing support for SMK Gateway, a charity very dear to my heart.

I have opted to cycle from the 5th to the 11th September to honour my late husband Robin Bradburn who sadly passed on the 14th September last year. Robin was a huge supporter of SMK Gateway, and was instrumental in securing the land for The Seed Centre on Glovers Lane so that SMK could have a forever home and Heelands could have a local hub for education, innovation, collaboration and community engagement. He was a man of the community, a man who loved our city and our parklands and a man who wanted to see our city connect, grow and thrive.

Over the course of the 7 days I will be taking on multiple routes that each have a significant purpose or theme. As I embark on this challenge I encourage you to hop on your bike and join me; whether it is for a section of the route, an entire ride or the complete 7 day challenge.

THE CYCLE SCHEDULE

Day 1 - Humble Beginnings - Kickstarting on International Day of Charity we take a nostalgic route covering the history of SMK Gateway and a cheeky glimpse of the future.

Day 2 - Alumni Assemble - On the Saturday we invite some of our wonderful alumni to assemble and join us as we take a scenic route round the northern parts of Milton Keynes and catch up over pizza once the ride is done.

Day 3 - Community Culture - Sundays community ride will showcase the beautiful diversity and cultures of Milton Keynes. As we tour another scenic route and take in the beauty of our city those joining are encouraged to wear something that represents their roots.

Day 4 - Learning Loop - Education is the foundation of SMK Gateway so when Monday rolls in we will be passing various schools in Milton Keynes who share our passion and support for educating our youth.

Day 5 - More than Education - On Tuesday we continue highlighting educational facilities but include some of the key services and organisations that provide support and safe spaces for our young people.

Day 6 - Breaking The Cycle - As we recognise the increasing need for mental health support and mark National Suicide Prevention Day we take a ride with some very special people who have not only been impacted by these topics but are dedicated to breaking the stigma and breaking the cycle in our community.

Day 7 - Ladies Day - On Thursday I am wrapping things up with the Ladies as I bringing in my passion for ladies cycling and dedicate this day to educating and inspiring the ladies to get active and start cycling.

A DIFFERENT KIND OF CHALLENGE

This challenge isn't focusing on time completed or miles covered. This challenge is about the heart and the unity of our community. It is about embracing our city. It is about us coming together in solidarity and support, making our city a better place to live for all.