These are my lads (see cover photo). I'm not revealing their names for privacy reasons, so here's what you need to know: they are the strangest and most beautiful people I have ever known. They are also trans icons - but being trans is EXPENSIVE for those who want to medically transition, and that's why I've started this fundraiser.

My friends are both planning to get top surgery in the future. This is a gender-affirming procedure that involves removing breast tissue to give the chest a flatter, more masculine appearance. It's difficult to explain how profoundly life-changing top surgery can be. And having had the absolute joy of being friends with these two for over a year, listening to their experiences and witnessing as they learn to know themselves, I've begun to understand how it will change their lives too.

The problem is that NHS gender identity clinics have average waiting times of 4 years, and private top surgery in the UK costs around £6000-£8000, plus expenses for blood tests and travel to the clinic.

So, naturally swooping in to save the day, I've entered an 80km cycling event in the Cotswolds - this crowdfund is your way to sponsor me! The race is on the 19th August, giving me roughly 5 months to raise as much money as I can to give my lads a headstart on saving and put their fabulous little minds at some semblance of rest.

These two people have helped me to settle into myself more than they will ever realise, and this is my best effort to return the favour: a butt load of money for a really important thing <3

More information about top surgery: https://www.transhub.org.au/top-surgery

More information about transitioning and gender identity: https://www.brook.org.uk/your-life/transitioning/

Fundraising Instagram account: @ocoetopfunds

NOTE: If you donate, please leave a message telling me how you found out about this fundraiser so I can focus on the most effective ways to spread awareness! (If you'd rather not, that's fine too.) Thank you x