Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page, Combat Stress and I are very grateful for your support.

The Challenge:  On the 10th August 2014, I will be riding the London 100 - Surrey Classic to raise funds for the veteran's mental health charity Combat Stress.  

Now if you know me, you are probably thinking, 'Emily, you rode 100 miles last Sunday and thought nothing of it -- how is this a challenge?' and you'd be right. BUT, there's a twist!  This time I will train and ride carrying a bergen, or *military rucksack and every time the fundraising total increases by a £100, I will add 1 pound of weight to the bergen up to £3,500 or 35lbs.  I'm not a climber at the best of times and taking on the likes of Leith Hill and Box Hill in Surrey carrying an extra 35lbs will be a challenge for sure.  I promise I will suffer for your support!! :-)

The Reason:  About a year ago while doing some work for a friend, I met an ex-soldier who fundamentally changed the way I viewed/view my life and what is possible. His name is JR and his belief in his ability to tackle tough projects and make a difference was inspiring -- even more so once I understood that sometimes he can’t get out of bed for days, struggles to be in or near hospitals or public places and sometimes simply seeing a dead animal in the road can bring him to tears and de-rail his ability to drive for hours.  Rupert has combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and if you just met him for a quick coffee to talk about work, you’d never know.  He is charismatic, hilariously funny and has been managing his life to cope with PTSD for years. In spite of it, he has achieved an incredible amount – starting businesses, writing books, inspiring others – amazing! But as you can imagine, it is both exhausting and limiting to have to control your life so carefully and the wish to ‘be normal’ or ‘turn back the clock’ is ever-present.

In January of this year, Rupert decided that he was ready to seek treatment for PTSD and began to work with a specialist consultant to unpack the traumas he faced as a soldier and the scars they left behind.  At that point, I promised him that whatever happened, I would walk beside him, carry his bergen and be his friend.  I am incredibly proud of him and though I have felt largely at a complete loss as to how to help him during these last few months, this challenge is part of my effort to keep my promise and remind him that I am here and walking (or riding!) with him. 

Combat Stress are incredibly committed to helping veterans like Rupert and their families and I can think of nothing better than to turn a pedal in aid of his strength and their work.  Thank you SO much for your support!