What could be more sensible than signing up to not one, but two crazy challenges?

I've not ridden a bike AT ALL in the last 25 years so yep, only gone and signed up to cycle from London - Brighton - 55 miles with some killer hills and noone to assist me. What could possibly go wrong? 

2 months later after I've hopefully stopped walking like John Wayne, I'm doing a mini trek in the Sahara for three days - 3 days of weather extremes, camping and no toilets. 

Both of these challenges will be massive for me and involve lots of pain and probably embarrassing moments due to my personal circumstances. 

Just incase you don't know me or you are unaware, I had a serious car accident in 2018, which almost took my life and left me with life changing injuries. 

I was in hospital for over a month having had a smashed heel, dislocated foot and bowel removal. I also had a stroke following a major arterial bleed (I lost 80% of my blood) which resulted in me losing over a quarter of my visual field and I am now partially sighted. 

Over the last few years, I have been adjusting to the life-changing impact of all these injuries, including learning to walk again, now having major digestive issues and adapting to my reduced sight. I have only in the last year regained my independence by getting my driving licence back but I now have arthritis in my ankle - hence the running ban. 

You can call me stubborn/stupid/determined or most probably, it's a mid-life crisis but these are the last challenges I want to complete before I totally give them up, accept my limitations and relax a bit more. 

I know times are hard at the mo, but I would like to use my umm, stupidity/determination to help raise money for a great cause I believe in - Vale Wildlife Hospital. 

I volunteer at the hospital every weekend so I see first hand how many wildlife casualties are taken in every year and the great work they do in helping wildlife. 

Founded in 1984, Vale Wildlife Hospital is one of the UK's largest wildlife hospitals and totally relies on public generosity to continue their work in helping Britain's wildlife. They take in over 7,500 casualties every year and running costs are currently over £55,000 each month. 

The hospital are currently looking to raise over £70,000 to build a purpose built, outdoor kitchen unit. This will enable the current kitchen to be converted into more, much needed hospital space, including a post op recovery room. .for more details on all their great work, see www.valewildlife.org.uk

Any donations and fundraisers towards the campaign would be hugely appreciated.