Between Saturday 22nd and Friday 28th October, I'll be cycling from the UK to Amsterdam to raise money for Thames Valley Heartbeat, and any donations would be hugely appreciated!

In November 2015, my dad passed away from a sudden heart attack that he suffered while playing squash. He was incredibly healthy, had played sport his whole life, and always been active, and there were no signs that this might happen.

I've since learned that cardiac arrest is the leading cause of premature death. But also, that many lives can be saved and people can be given the best chance of living if they receive treatment in the first few minutes. People can be reluctant to act if they are unsure of what to do or for fear of making the situation worse, therefore it is vital that people learn basic resuscitation skills and develop the confidence needed to give someone the best chance of living.

Thames Valley Heartbeat

Thames Valley Heartbeat raises funds to supply public access defibrillators and provide free familiarisation sessions in the community, including schools and local businesses that could save lives of those suffering cardiac arrest. I've heard first-hand the amazing benefits this work has had, as after TVH gave a lesson in a local primary school, a young girl witnessed her mum having a heart attack and new to call an ambulance and do CPR until it arrived, saving her mum's life.

The charity is run entirely by volunteers that give 100% of their time and effort in a voluntary capacity meaning ALL money raised goes to the charity's objectives. This means that you can see a direct impact that your donation has, in the form of a new defibrillator or life saving skills session!

The Cycle

To raise money for the charity, myself and a friend will be leaving the UK on Saturday 22nd October, and crossing the channel at Calais, before cycling through France and Belgium, before entering Holland and eventually arriving in Amsterdam on Friday 28th October. We'll be cycling up to 120km per day and will be entirely unsupported, taking only what we can carry!