Save the UK's CharitiesGeneral fundraising has been hit very hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Thousands of fundraising events have been cancelled and many charities, particularly smaller ones, are struggling to maintain services because of this huge reduction in income.

Sunday would have been the day for the London Marathon when the MS society would have received enormous sponsorship donations. I ran the London Marathon 3 times and saw first hand just what a wonderful event it is to help raise money for so many incredible causes.

The loss of this sponsorship revenue impacts all sectors of society from children to the elderly as well as the vital work in areas such as palliative care, serious diseases, mental health, housing support, food supplies and countless others that charities support.

The MS society is very close to my heart, having now being diagnosed with the condition for 13 years. Throughout this time the MS society has been a substantial means of support as my condition has evolved. Throughout, exercise has been core to me and has developed from marathon running, rowing and now cycling. My bike is a specially designed road trike as i'm not able to balance on a regular bicycle. Whilst 'tricycling' may be an activity more synonymous with toddlers, adult trikes are becoming increasingly popular and liberates many disabled adults. I can no longer walk very far but on my trike I feel truly unshackled from my condition.

I am planning to cycle from John o' Groats to Land's End this summer as part of a small group of riders 'Bike the UK or MS'. Sunday will therefore be a great opportunity to add to my fundraising and also get in some much needed miles!