I am cycling the BM50k to raise much needed funds for Brighton Women's Centre. For me it's a fantastic opportunity to combine two of my passions - cycling and feminism! This is my first physical challenge since running the BM10k on a sprained ankle 2 years ago 🙄, which I have been regretting and rehabilitating ever since! So I'm thrilled to be getting back to my former abilities at last.

BWC has supported self-identifying women in Sussex for over 40 years. We help women from all backgrounds, facing all kinds of issues, to live happier lives. Women dealing with bereavement or trauma, women who have been through homelessness or the criminal justice system, survivors of abuse or discrimination – all are welcomed.

When you come to us, we’ll start by getting to know you: your challenges and your hopes. And wherever you’ve come from, whatever you’re dealing with, we’ll only ever treat you with respect, understanding and compassion.

Services we offer include a food bank, housing advice, trauma informed services for women in the criminal justice system, counselling & holistic therapies, wellbeing projects, drop in support, over 50s group and life coaching. Crucially, childcare is available at the centre, so women with caring responsibilities are not prevented from accessing our services.

£2 pays for a week of activities for a child
£5 pays a volunteer's bus fare
£10 pays for food bags for 10 women
£20 pays for an hour of casework
£50 pays for a counselling session

I am really proud to be supporting BWC, where I became a trustee last year. As a teenage mother relying on benefits, I experienced the impact of poverty and social exclusion, not just financially but also in terms of emotions and self esteem. It's really important to me that I am now able to support other women at challenging times in their lives.

Please donate what you can to ensure these important services for women continue, and give me a big wave if you see me swizzing 🚴🏼‍♀️ past on the day!