Originally I thought I would solo cycle 500 miles around the Scottish Highlands in 10 days for fun!! I was carrying all my belongings and wild camping along the way. Ill prepared with little training, I quickly realised this was an epic endurance challenge, which I may not be able to complete.

After the second day, all my belongings were completely soaked from relentless rain, I had sheltered in my tent in the middle of the day from 40mph winds, walked my bike down a 2,000ft mountain due to 70mph winds, cycled through a storm, been sick, peed on myself, had animal poo all over me and had ran out of water. I was scared and exhausted, but I didn't give up.

Eventually, the weather turned and I was delighted by sun and clear blue skies, epic views, coffee shops playing Enya and strangers cheering me on and making me cups of tea in the warmth of their campervans.

Despite this positive turn, throughout the trip, I was in immense pain from overworking my body, had numb fingers, was intensely tired and had been ambushed my midges, so I had a swollen face. (Ask me for a photo, this is when my mum said it was ok to stop!!)

Over 10 days, I cycled 500 miles and climbed nearly 30,000ft in strong winds and rain. I averaged 50 miles a day and climbed 3,000ft a day and on my biggest days, I cycled 77 miles and climbed over 5,000ft. I cycled every day and didn't take any public transport (even when I was so desperate).

I persisted because I knew I would raise some funds for an amazing charity called Tender who work with young people to prevent sexual and domestic violence, using creative arts. Anyone who knows me, knows that preventing sexual violence and violence against women and girls is a lifelong passion of mine.

Sadly, femicide and violence against women and girls is increasing. Daily we hear horrific stories of men and boys murdering their wives, partners, sisters and school friends. We know that the likes of Andrew Tate and the internet are radicalising more young boys and teaching them that girls and women are disposal objects they can control and abuse. Horrific abuse and murder may seem worlds apart from sexist comments, but these seemingly harmless comments dehumanise women and girls, which makes it easier for them to hurt us and kill us if we don't matter, if we are not human.

Challenging sexist comments, teaching young boys about healthy relationship behaviours and having positive role models of healthy masculinity is one of the solutions to preventing violence against women and girls. I really hope you can spare a few pounds in light of my 500 mile cycle to support an incredible charity working tirelessly to prevent and end sexual and domestic violence.

Thank you everyone!!