My challenge is to cycle from Nice to Montpelier in the blistering heat of July, totalling approx 400 miles in 4 days! For those of you who know me, cycling is not my forte + I don’t look great in lycra and therefore this really is a big challenge but for three very worthwhile local causes!

Jakes New Wheels

Jake Ogbourne, a local 16 year old who suffers from Spinal Muscular Atrophy. There is a new wonder drug for patients with SMA but Jakes family were given the devastating news that the NHS cannot fund it - his consultant told him he should go into a powered wheelchair. As any true feisty teenager would respond, he said ‘NO WAY!’ - he thinks this would make him look ‘really disabled’. There are special ‘wheels’ that can be adapted to his current wheelchair but they are around £5,000 for the pair – 1/3 of what I raise with your help will go straight towards funding Jakes new wheels.

Bristol Down Syndrome Trust

17 years ago my nephew Ollie Cook was born with Down Syndrome, at that time there was no organisation in Bristol to help families with Down Syndrome children to educate them and help them maximise their full potential. My brother and sister in law, together with close friends, started the BDST which helps to advance the development + education of children with Down Syndrome.
The BDST is self-funded and there is a significant shortfall each year and the cost of running the group is heavily subsidised by family + friends.

Dance Voice

A charity based in a church hall near Bedminster running groups benefitting 125 local people. For people with learning difficulties, dance movement psychotherapy helps them find a voice through movement . They urgently need more funds for their outreach work with individuals + groups to include people with various disabilities.
I know with your support, Jake, Ollie + all who benefit from BDST, the wonderful team at Dance Voice and the 125 people who benefit from them will be so grateful for your generosity!