In less than one month, I will be cycling from London to Brighton -55 miles (88km)- after having not cycled for more than a few minutes at a time over the past year!

Why am I taking on this (in the words of the official event website) 'challenging' ride?

Well, thanks to supporters all around the world, the London to Brighton cycle ride raises thousands of pounds each year for good causes.

So, this year, I've decided to 'gear' into action, and get back to 'grips' with the world of cycling, whilst raising money for a cause close to my heart at the same time.

It was this time last year that I embarked upon an eye-opening journey in global health, starting with the opportunity to study at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM). I learnt more than I thought possible over the course of three months and met many wonderful people from all over the world who are doing amazing and life-saving work.

However, there are many more exceptional potential students whom I did not meet, because, for many around the world, financial barriers stand in the way of access to education. Recognising this, LSHTM has a scholarship programme, offering funding to promising students from both the UK and global health’s traditionally under-represented communities. With your support, this ride will raise money for the scholarship fund, giving opportunities to the next generation of public health leaders and innovators. Any and all donations and/or words of wisdom would be most gratefully received - I just hope I won't be 'two tyred' to cross the finish line!