On 26th July, I will be setting off from Thonon-les-Bains and cycling 770km through the Alps to Nice in just 7 days.

Whilst this started off as a personal challenge, I wanted to raise awareness and funds for two charities – the first being Sjogren’s UK and the second Makants Greyhound Rescue.

For someone who has completed Ironman events and raced bikes all over the world, this might sound like just another challenge — but let me explain.

In 2021, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called Sjogren’s syndrome, it’s often described as causing dryness due to the immune system attacking moisture-producing glands and also brings severe fatigue. As the disease has progressed, it has also affected my lungs leading to interstitial lung disease (ILD), meaning I have cysts throughout my lungs that significantly impact my breathing.

There is currently no cure however, as part of ongoing medical research, I’ve taken part in a clinical trial aimed at slowing disease progression and helping others living with Sjogren’s. So far it’s been a great success — I’ve been able to return to exercise and even get back to racing.

The second charity I’m supporting is Makants Greyhound Rescue. I volunteer weekly, walking greyhounds who have retired from racing and are now looking for their forever homes. We also have our own retired greyhound, who is very much the life and soul of the party and often joins us to help socialise the greyhounds.

This ride is my own personal mountain to conquer. The distance, the climbs, and the altitude will be huge challenges, but raising awareness for these two charities — and the focus of improving my health and fitness to give myself the best chance of slowing this disease is super important.

If you’re able to donate, no matter how small, it would mean the world. And if you can’t donate, following my journey, sharing this page, or supporting these incredible charities would be hugely appreciated.