In August, I'll be cycling 1000km over 4 days as part of a self-supported ultra-distance cycling event, starting and ending in Utrecht, NL.

This will be my first ultra-distance event, and I'm sure that I'll face many challenges on the bike. Ultimately, it is a privilege to be able to do so while so many suffer.

I am cycling to fundraise for the Gaza Sunbirds, a para-cycling team based in the Gaza Strip, who are distributing aid to their communities sheltering in Gaza. Since October 7th, the Gaza Sunbirds have been distributing aid to their communities, both on their bikes, by foot, and using vehicles where available.

The situation in Gaza is deeply desperate, with over 1.1 million people being displaced. The population is grappling with a dire humanitarian crisis, marked by profound loss and insurmountable need.

Despite these challenging circumstances, and thanks to donations, the Sunbirds have been able to distribute essential food, baby packages (clothes, diapers, formula etc.), blankets, duvets and hot meals to communities that desperately need them.

Whilst it is challenging to get aid into Gaza, the Sunbirds are managing to do so, but not at a fast enough rate. So far the Sunbirds have managed to get 63 tons of food and goods distributed to those who need it, and your support will enable them to continue to supplement these efforts.

About the Sunbirds:

The Gaza Sunbirds were founded in 2018, when Alaa al Dali, an Olympic hopeful cyclist, was shot in the leg by an Israeli sniper (a deliberate tactic called knee-capping) when he went with his bike to watch the Great March of Return, an annual peaceful protest that takes place on the Gaza side of the fence between Gaza and Israel.

The Sunbirds team now comprises of 20 para-athletes, who have been training with the hope of representing Palestine in the 2024 Paralympics in Paris.