On 12th June 2019 I was involved in a serious road accident, underwent 9 hours of life saving surgery and was considered to have an outcome of permanent loss of independence.

Despite breaking both of my femurs, a shattered hip, broken ankle, broken lower leg, rib and four breaks to my clavicle the wheelchair I used after the accident is now stored away and the crutches have finally in the last month been put to one side.

Nerve damage means that I use a splint to walk (well, waddle with a limp!) and I remain in constant pain. That said, with a great amount of support along with determination I have achieved what was not considered possible, my independence! I am working, walking, driving, managing housework and even made it back to the gym shortly before lockdown.

To mark the first anniversary of the accident I am taking on a challenge to raise funds for The Hive to help young people overcome the barriers in their lives and to similarly achieve what they and others may not have considered possible. So many young people have little confidence or self-esteem and have grown to believe that they will never achieve those grades, that college place, their ideal job, or realise their dreams to perform, to compete or to travel. The dedicated team at The Hive work tirelessly to support young people to fulfil their potential, enhance their prospects and to realise their dreams.

In the spirit of the current climate my challenge is to cycle the distance to and from work, 79.8 miles. Compared to some of my previous challenges this may seem insignificant but means more to me personally and for The Hive too, where the work has never been more important but funding from many sources has drastically reduced.

Please do support if you can, anything you can give will be very much appreciated and will make a difference.

Thank you

Stuart