Thanks for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page! 

Alex’s Story:

This Summer my daughter Tilly and I will be raising money for Young Minds, with the next big goal being the London 100 on 28th May. Three years ago a very dear friend lost her son when he took his own life. Very few of us have not been touched by Mental Health, but it takes a jolt of this enormity to become truly aware of how pervasive the problem is. It is now the leading cause of death of young people in our society!
Frustratingly, due to Covid, the last two Ride London events have been cancelled. However after two hip operations (and a significant amount of weight gain) I got back in the saddle to honour the commitment.
This will be a huge undertaking for Tilly as I only managed to get her on a bike during lockdown as a form of rehab after 4 major operations to completely reconstruct her knees. For the first time in her life she was able to participate in a sport. We have already had a huge amount of fun, and shed a significant amount of tears racking up training miles. Last week we conquered 80 miles at an event and I am just so proud of her progress.
Please support Tilly and me in raising money for this great cause.

Tilly’s Story:

Dad and I were moved to complete this challenge for a few reasons. If you know us, you'll know Dad has had four hip replacements, and in 2018 I had four invasive knee surgeries over two years to fix the wobbly knees that have wobbled and given way underneath me my whole life. 

The multiple lockdowns of 2020 were a weird and hard time but the greatest gift it gave me was time to fall in love with cycling. Dad and I have come from completely different ends of the spectrum, him being a former athlete with international acclaim and me with a congenital knee defect… but the time we spent peddling together on the Surrey Hills, swearing and crying at each other has been one of the great privileges of my life. 

We also attended a funeral that has had a profound and lasting effect on us both, which is why we have chosen to ride for Young Minds. I’ve worked with children and young people throughout my career, and even though I now work at GOSH, we wanted to choose a charity closer to home. We have all seen the effect the pandemic has had on our communities and loved ones and I’m proud to be doing something to support those that need it. 

Training for this, is without doubt, the hardest thing I have ever done. Pre-op I was frightened/in pain/on crutches for years, and post-op, I have the chance to undertake an unthinkable physical challenge; 100 miles of cycling in 6 hours. It will be one of the greatest achievements of my life and I am so excited that I will be doing it with my beloved Peloton; Sam, Hamish, Nia, and of course, Dad. 

If you want to show your support for me, Dad, and Young Minds, please donate and help us get to our target. You are also ALL welcome at the finish line on 28th May 2023, where we will be weeping and wheezing and celebrating!