I am taking on an exercise challenge to help raise funds for a charity that means a lot to me, I will use my exercise bike to cycle 6 miles with a twist, at the end of February. This is part of the 'Cycle21' event, a fundraising campaign for Free Wheel North.

Free Wheel North is a charity that aims to get people cycling of all ages and abilities. The charity welcomes everyone, it doesn't matter if you have never been on a bike before...you will find something that suits you at Free Wheel North. They have a wide range of bikes and go karts to choose from- 3 or 4 wheelers which are suitable for people who have disabilities.

The organisation is based at Glasgow Green, they have a great cycling track that is especially for people who are using the bikes supplied by Free Wheel North. There is a selection of trikes available that are adapted for people who have additional support needs. The bikes are fitted with wider pedals, supportive seating and straps which gives people the opportunity to enjoy cycling to the full. 

As I have Cerebral Palsy, I had a trike when I was young but eventually I grew out of it. I thought that I would never get the opportunity to cycle again but that all changed when I came across Free Wheel North. In 2015, I visited the charity and I knew that this organisation was something special. The support and advice that I got when finding a suitable trike was fantastic, the staff were so kind and they took time to find me. 

Over the past couple of years, I have really took to cycling. The feeling of freedom that I get is just magic. In 2019, I took on a sponsored cycle for another charity and Free Wheel North were a great support to me throughout my challenge. 

The Covid-19 Pandemic has hit charities hard, due to the current lockdown Free Wheel North are unable to open which means that the organisation is loosing out on funds every day that the restrictions are in place. This is going to have a big impact on the charity meaning that it is going to be a challenging year. Everything about Free Wheel North is fantastic- the staff, bikes & the cycling track. We really need to make sure that we support the charity during these challenging times.

And that leads me to say that I will be doing my bit to show my support for Free Wheel North by doing my arm exercise challenge as part of Cycle21. Please donate what you can, even £1 would be great...every penny counts. Thank you so much in advance!

Let's keep cycling going! #FWNCYCLE21