Over the years I have learnt that cycling is more than covering miles, getting Strava sections or winning races - cycling can actually change and save lives. In 2018 I will be fundraising for The Albion Foundation, which uses the power of football and other sports, to work in communities to help raise aspirations and create opportunities for those that are disadvantaged or face barriers in life. 

This isn't about what football team you support, this is about improving lives in the West Midlands.The Foundation has a number of programmes e.g. educational initiatives in schools to help those that are struggling to achieve, mentoring and improving attainment with children in care or foster homes, opening up opportunities in disability sport, running sports initiatives in anti-social hot-spots and supporting sports development for girls. 

This year I will be organising a number of fundraising initiatives for the Foundation, including Wattbike classes, turbo challenges and riding with a group of amateur cyclists from Swansea to the Hawthorns for the match against Swansea on 7th April.

Although I prefer cycling to football, this charity is close to my heart as my family have always loved West Bromwich Albion. As locals to the Hawthorns my mom used to go to games as a young woman and my dad has also stuck with them all these years!!! I also remember how inspired I was when former Albion striker Gary Thompson visited my first school to encourage us to be active! 

I know many of you have already given to my fundraising over the years and I am perhaps pushing it to ask for you to open your wallets yet again but it would be great if you could donate something, however small, to help this amazing, progressive charity. 

Thanks in advance for your donations!