For quite a while I have been trying to come up with a trial for myself to help raise funds and raise awarness of my daughters illness and upcoming surgery. The type of surgery required is not available in this country but is life saving and definitely life changing.

In July 2017 Samantha underwent vital life saving surgery in Washington DC almost 12 months to the day. We had to raise £150000 for the cost of this surgery, unfortunately, the procedure used hasn't been as successful as we had hoped it would be and Samantha requires further surgery to fully fuse her cervical spine with the likelihood of even more surgery most probably required, to fuse her thoracic spine. The cost for this next stage is in excess of £100000.

For more information, you can follow Samantha's story and regular updates on Facebook @SavingSamantha and #SaveSamantha.

Due to my own restrictions, (I have wide spread arthritis and have had numerous surgeries on my knees inc knee replacement with a further one required) finding something to fit in with this has been hard work, until a work colleague jokingly suggested doing a hand powered cycle ride. This got me thinking so I got in touch with Phil Ball at the British disabled cycling centre

https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/disability/article/20141002-Manchester-0

I was invited to attend a trial session and if this suited me the offer was extended to train with them and then the loan of a trike to carry out the sponsored hand powered cycle . This was totally unexpected but I eagerly took him up on his generous offer.

Saturday 7th July, I met up with the coaches Brian Byland and Andy Saint who immediately made me feel welcome and set me at ease. I also met up with a number of inspiring young people who had their own disabilities to overcome.

One person in particular is the remarkable Megan giglia MBE British Paracyclist gold medal winner, what an inspirational young lady she is.

Megan has offered to accompany me on my sponsored bike ride, (although she will be riding a conventional bike powered by her legs) so Megan, if you are reading this and you are able to accompany me, then it would be an absolute honour. I look forward to meeting you again in the near future.

After 2.5 hrs of hand pedalling around the circuit (occasionally stopping for a rest) my session had ended. I walked off feeling pleased with myself thinking Icould have gone on longer. Oh how wrong I was approximately 2 hours later my body went into what I can only describe as shock. A sickness feeling washed over me my whole upper body started to burn up and become stiff and achy, now I know why I was instructed to call it a day.

I now have a small inclination as to what I am proposing to put my body through, although I haven't come across any inclines yet, YIKES!!!

Although I haven't given myself a date to do the ride, my destination is likely to be York approximately 120Km (doesn't sound too far if I say it quickly). My initial thoughts are October, but as the facilities to train are only available monthly I am unsure if this is realistic. I will need to be quite inventive with my training schedule in between, doing lots of upper body strength and stamina exercises. In addition it depends upon Samantha's health and if we have to rush forward a surgery date.

I will keep you posted on how training is going and any turn of events.

Please public share, follow, support and donate if possible .