I am doing this ride in aid of my father. When I was 10 years old, my dad suddenly died of a heart attack. He was only 47 years old, and he left a delible mark. He left behind my mum, heartbroken, and 6 other siblings, my older brothers and a younger sister. It affected my siblings and me deeply. And he left an unfillable gap. However, as I developed my personality, I had interests in Netball, cycling and other sports, which were something I loved and maintained, even after having children. Sports also connected me to my older brothers, especially our passions for sports like racquet games, cricket, football and athletics. When I started working, I maintained a healthy interest in cycling, and I used to cycle to work daily. I became super fit, including cycling at weekends. It became my therapy. However, at one stage, as I matured into my profession and changed jobs to work locally, I found myself cycling less and less. The weight piled on, and years went by. I realised something had to change. And I was conscious that I might not reach past 47 years old if I didn't make lifestyle changes.

Following the lockdown, it became another moment to reset as I regained my passion, reignited for cycling again. I decided to set up my own cycling group, and we cycle every weekend. I am keen to motivate others in my community to develop and build on their health and wellbeing, as well as grow social capital. I participated in the London to Brighton last time, 13 years ago, I wanted to prove to myself, even at my age, it is possible. It means to me, you don't stop cycling because you grow old, you grow old because you stop cycling. I want to keep inspiring others, for as long as I can, and get to my next milestones. My children, now adults, also cycle, which I put down to my dad's determination that he taught me, which I have instilled in them. So thank you, Dad, for giving me the inspiration and desire to keep rolling, regardless of life challenges.

Thanks for visiting my page. I'm raising money for the British Heart Foundation and I'd be so grateful for your support. The BHF has helped halve the number of people dying from heart and circulatory disease in the UK but sadly every day hundreds of people lose their lives. It's only thanks to support from people like us that the BHF can create new treatments and discover new cures. £24 could pay for two hours of research by an early career scientist, but every pound helps so please give what you can to help me hit my target. Thanks!