The Peaks Challenge was the last event I competed in before that fateful day in June 2018. I had headed out on a training ride along the Great Ocean Road when a driver turned across me on a steep downhill section in front of the Anglesea surf club.

I woke up in the Alfred trauma centre a week later without my vision and discovered one of my many broken ribs had torn through my left lung and sliced the edge of my heart. Aside from multiple fractures and torn ligaments throughout my body, I had also survived several strokes. At the time we could not tell what the future would hold.

After intensive rehab, lots of training and the incredible support of friends and family, my health has dramatically improved, though I have sustained impaired vision known as hemianopia (half vision).

I am now tackling this years Peaks Challenge once again to raise vital funds for East Timor Hearts Fund.

I had the privilege of going to Timor-Leste as a teacher through my school Christian College Geelong. The country is beautiful, however it is incredible that a country so close to ours does not have some of the basic services we take for granted here.

I have had the privilege of racing Ironman/Triathlon/Cycling/Running Endurance events across the world since 2004 and have always tried to merge my passions. By using endurance events as a conduit to help support others truly in need of our love and support is a gift. Having the opportunity to once again be healthy, and ride a bike to help someone in need is truly special. I was able to raise funds for East Timor Hearts Fund during my last Peaks Challenge.

I raised funds for East Timor Hearts Fund during my last Peaks Challenge in 2018 before my accident. I see this year's Peaks Challenge on March 7 as the launching pad for the next chapter of my life. I am so grateful for the medics who saved my life and now I am back on the bike to tackle this gruelling event. I am using my passion for cycling to help patients in Timor-Leste access the medical support they need to save their lives too.

Please help me reach my target of raising $5,000 for East Timor Hearts Fund so they can continue to save more lives. Every dollar counts.