Starting on the 30th of April 2018, I will attempt to cycle 100 kilometres (that's 60 miles) every day for 21 consecutive days. Too easy for ya? I'll be doing it on my singlespeed, fixed gear bicycle. At the same time I will be upholding my usual roles of stay-at-home Dad and house-husband.
What adds to the challenge is that I have disabilities, as a result of a spinal injury in 2008. Despite four surgical procedures, to repair the damage to my spine, I still live with constant pain. Both muscular pain in my back and horrendous nerve pain in my leg pain, due to damage to my left sciatic nerve. Although I can walk, doing so is extremely difficult and painful due to restricted movement and weakness in my leg and that every step stretches and irritates the damaged nerves. Therefore I walk with a walking stick or use a mobility scooter to get around. Sitting and standing also increases pain levels and so I have to spend several hours a day lying down to relieve pressure on the damaged area in my lower back.
Thankfully I can still ride my bike! In fact, when I am cycling, this is one of the few times when the pain almost entirely dissappears. That's the best reason ever to do what I love!
If 100 of us donate just £21, we will be able to fund one of Pain Concern's fabulous podcasts. These podcasts provide invaluable information for people who live with pain and those who care for them.
