This June, I’ll be taking on Bike Oxford to raise money for Asylum Welcome, a local charity that supports refugees and people seeking asylum across Oxfordshire. I'm a trustee there and this bike ride is one more way to support their work.

For many of us, Oxford is simply home. But for the people supported by Asylum Welcome, arriving here often marks the beginning of a completely new life after fleeing war, persecution, or violence.

Imagine arriving in a new country with: No support network, limited money, a complex legal system to navigate, and no certainty about what the future holds.

This is the reality many refugees and asylum seekers face.

And that’s where Asylum Welcome makes an incredible difference.

For 30 years, the charity has supported people in our community with advice, practical help, and opportunities to rebuild their lives with dignity and independence.

Their work helps people move from surviving to belonging and that's why I am excited to take part in Bike Oxford.