THE CHALLENGE

From 25th April to 3rd May 2026, I will be taking part in a classic recreation of the Paris Dakar Rally - one of the toughest endurance events in the world. I will be riding a period motorcycle, navigating historic Dakar routes through the vast and unforgiving Sahara Desert.

This challenge is not just about endurance - it's about purpose. I am undertaking this journey in support of Mind, raising awareness and funds for men’s and women's mental health. In 2016 I suffered a life-changing accident, the treating doctors advised me that my days of fundraising, sporting challenges were over. I strongly believe that my involvement with sport helped me through those dark times, enabling me to get back my former fitness, mentally & physicaly.

The Dakar is renowned for pushing competitors beyond their limits. Unlike conventional rallies, it spans extreme terrain, including towering sand dunes, deep mud, camel grass, and unforgiving rocky landscapes. Riders cover an average of 300 miles per day in temperatures exceeding 38°C, all on classic Dakar bikes built before 2008.

The risks are very real. Fatigue, navigation challenges, mechanical strain, and the harsh environment all increase the likelihood of accidents and serious injury. Completing this event demands resilience, meticulous preparation, and unwavering determination.

The original Dakar Rally began in 1978, running from Paris to Dakar. Over the years, the event has evolved due to security concerns - most notably the cancellation of the 2008 Dakar Rally due to direct terrorist threats against the race - and later moved to South America from 2009 to 2019. Since 2020, it has been held in Saudi Arabia.

Although later editions no longer start in Paris, the rally has retained its iconic name and legendary status.

Suffolk Mind is an independent charity whose mission is to make the county the best place in the world for talking about and taking care of mental health. To meet that mission, they provide a range of wellbeing services, courses and resources for individuals, schools, workplaces and community groups. This includes counselling services, mental health support groups, and wellbeing training for organisations. A number of their services are open for self-referral.