Only two weeks ago, I found out that my very dear friend had a stroke. The news broke my heart. It was very painful thinking about her on a hospital bed not being able to move or speak. When I went to see her we looked at each other and we couldn’t help but share some tears, but we stopped to remind ourselves that we are both strong and we will get through it. Although we couldn’t communicate with words, I showed her photos of happy times we've had together and immediately started thinking about what I can do to help.

Amani has many friends that are visiting and thinking of her. Friends that hopefully feel like family to her, however, no one can replace close family. Amani doesn’t have children or a partner, and her mum and sister live far away, where it is not easy for them to travel from financially or practically. I am not going to share too much personal information about Amani, as I am not able to ask her if it’s okay to do so. What I am going to tell you is my point of view why I decided to collect money for her.

Amani is a beautiful person that has already been through a lot in her life. However, despite the hardship, she didn’t allow her heart to harden. Instead she was always out helping others - friends and in the community. Now she needs our support. At this point I can’t tell (nor can the doctors) how long her recovery might take or what exactly she might need in the future, but surely for quite a while she will require rehabilitation and constant care. There is a support group of friends that will try to do whatever they can to help, but as we know things like that don’t come cheaply. And even if there was some bucket of money from somewhere to cover the costs of care, my thoughts are what about the rest? If there was some extra money it would be amazing to be able to do something lovely for her; like to take her somewhere nice once she is better, or for her to see her ill Mum or her family being able to come over to visit.

So these are my thoughts - to give a little back to someone who has so often helped others, to raise some money to provide the best of care for Amani and for her not to worry, but focus on getting better.

I am going to cycle through hilly Dorset, Purbeck and Isle of Wight to help collect the money. It will surely be a challenge for me. Please sponsor me to help my dear friend in her recovery. Thank you very much!