Hi all, Mike here!

On the 1st and 2nd April this year, myself and my very good friend have set ourselves the challenge of riding from Bristol to Birmingham and then onward to Oswestry (all places we hold very close to our hearts) in order to raise money for charities, which along the way have played an enormous part in our lives.

To some, the places we plan to travel are simply places, but for me, these were the staples in my son, Harry’s, recovery.

18 months ago, Harry experienced a mental health episode which sadly resulted in him obtaining life changing injuries. On his road to recovery, Harry’s journey began at Bristol Hospital where they went to every length to stabilise and secure Harry’s future. From here, he was moved to Dudley, Russells Hall and then on to Oswestry.

Along the way, doctors, nurses, therapists and many more people have played a part in Harry’s journey, and have helped to turn what were the darkest days for our boy, and our family, into a hopeful and happy future for us all to focus on. Without any of these places and people, the Harry that we have today, along with our story, may have been a somewhat different one. Although we will never be able to truly show our eternal gratitude, we want this ride to be a mark of respect, of thanks, of love and appreciation for everyone who has been involved.

Since Harry’s episode, he really has grabbed life by the horns. He has turned something negative into so many positives and there is no better feeling than to see him smile, laugh and enjoy his life again. He has spent the last 18 months exploring new ventures and has ploughed his heart and soul into doing what he loves the most- music- which has resulted in him embarking on his first UK tour with his band (Cigarette Social Club). Please, give them a listen- it will be worth it!

To see Harry move forward in life in such a positive way has just left us in such awe of him. He has always made us proud, but since his episode, he has made us even more so. His strength, his will, his positive spirits, they inspire us each day, as does his determination to overcome any obstacle that stands before him. We, as a family, are so incredibly proud of him, and of course love and admire him endlessly.

I couldn’t imagine my life without my first born, my boy, my Harry, and I only wish he had had someone that he could have reached out to.

Therefore, the charity I have chosen to support is one that works hard to provide advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding of mental health and I hope that by supporting them, our support, your support, may help to prevent other families, other adults, other teens, maybe even other children from suffering like my son did. If I can prevent just one person, that will be enough.

So please, I ask that you join me on my journey, and hope that you will support me in achieving this goal. Not just for my boy, but for everyone else out there who at some point may need help.

I can’t thank you enough for reading my story- Harry’s story! I hope that you will take the time to kindly donate and support us on our quest to make everyone’s minds healthier!

Thanks and Love, always!

Mike! X

Hi,

I am taking part in this challenge to raise money for our local Children's Hospital. Seth was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of three and since then, has encountered many challenges and difficult moments facing them all head on and with an unwavering strength.

In spite of all this, Seth has grown into the most incredible young man. He is kind, caring and a joy to be around. I am so proud to be his dad!

The care and support from the hospital that was involved with Seth's journey has been vital in this journey for us all. The work they do is phenomenal and I would like to give something back after all they have given to us.

Thanks,

- Damian