For 2023 I have set myself the challenge of cycling from Hayling Island to Chartres, France (which is very close to Paris) and back!! I will be doing this in order to raise funds for Solent NHS Charity which provides much needed support to people with mental health illnesses in the Hampshire area (and importantly, given that it’s my home city, in the Portsmouth area). The Solent NHS Charity raises money to make a difference to the experience people have when they are being cared for by Solent NHS Trust, covering areas not included or fully supported by NHS funds.

I have had my own experiences of difficult times through suffering with my mental health. Having had periods in my life where I have been completely debilitated from severe anxiety, I know all too well how crucial it is to have the support of the NHS. There have been times when getting outdoors felt like an impossible task and I know I am not alone. 

I can confidently state that the care and support myself and loved ones have previously received from the NHS and healthcare professionals, made a significant difference to getting back to leading a much wider life with opportunities. As someone who also works in the NHS, I know all too well how much good work is being done to help others. However, there is always an opportunity to do more with extra financial support.

The Hayling Island to Paris Charity ride has been running since 1986 and is believed to be the longest running multi-day ride in the UK, if not the world! I may regularly ride a bike, but I am under no illusion that this will be a tough challenge both physically and mentally. The ride will be over multiple days with significant distances each day - I will be absolutely out of my comfort zone. 

The 2023 ride will start at the Portsmouth ferry terminal on Saturday 8 July 2023 and will cover approximately 400 miles (probably more when we add on some distance for getting lost and the ride to the ferry).  I will ride to the outskirts of Paris and then start cycling back home. On Friday 14 July, I'll catch the noon ferry from Cherbourg, arriving back in Portsmouth at 4.45pm local time. From there I'll ride back to Hayling Island.

These days I am able to manage my anxiety and I am privileged to be able to get outdoors and take on this challenge. With your support, I aim to raise much needed funds to help others with mental health illness so that they too can get back to leading the best lives they can.  

Please do support me by giving what you can to help others.

Thank you.

Colin.