My name is Paddy, and I'm collecting on behalf of the RAF Benevolent Fund. I joined the RAF in 1999, and I am still proudly serving. In early 2000 I started suffering from long periods of migraine like headaches; at one point I blacked out and was taken to A&E. After numerous tests and appointments, and months of confusion, I was told it was chronic Sinusitis. I just accepted it and cracked on, travelling all over the country and to a few of the less interesting Operational tours....

In November 2013 it all went a bit wrong; I blacked out at work and ended up in hospital getting more and more tests. Eventually in 2015 I was diagnosed with Non-Epileptic Seizure Disorder. This was a bitter blow and I had to give up dog handling, driving, playing in my band and many other things I took for granted. My mental health has been battered, and I have fought to stay in my job regularly since I got ill.

This summer, thanks to the RAFBF, I was the grateful recipient of a recumbent trike. This amazing bit of kit has given me a new direction in life and has urged me to improve myself, and prove to myself that all isn't lost! 

Due to the pandemic, it is becoming increasingly difficult for the RAFBF to fundraise, which means Service personnel, veterans and their families could be missing out on vital assistance, care and welfare.

Soooooooooo.....I am raising funds by using my awesome recumbent trike and a turbo trainer to ride the 875 miles (ish) journey between Land's End and John O’Groats! I have had no training, no beat up, no nothing. I'm just riding to prove to myself and anyone in my position that anything is possible.

It's going to hurt, and the view will be incredibly dull! But it's also a massive challenge and I am limited to where I can go on the trike, so the dining room is my new trike Gym for a bit!

Anyway, enough of my ramblings. Look for me on Facebook and join in! I'll be doing live feeds, Q&A, and will do a bit of a Wiki on the places where I 'stop every session!

Thanks for reading, and thanks in advance for your kindness, generosity and support!