Hi there! Thanks for being here.

In August, I'll be taking on the Coast to Coast (C2C) cycle route across the UK, riding around 140 miles/225 km from the west coast to the east coast over several days to raise money for the Cambridge Acorn Project (CAP).

CAP provides long-term therapeutic support for children and families who have experienced trauma, abuse and financial hardship. One-to-one therapy is just one part of its panoramic approach, which brings together therapeutic, practical and community-based support. Over the last year, CAP has supported 983 children, young people and families and worked with 128 schools across Cambridgeshire.

As a therapist who is lucky enough to work for this charity, I have the privilege of seeing first-hand the courage, determination and resilience of the children and young people I meet every day. Their resilience has often prompted me to reflect on the things I avoid simply because they feel daunting. One thing my work has taught me is that we don't all find the same things difficult. For me, this challenge is getting back on my bike.

After a bike accident in May, cycling became something I had to rebuild confidence in. So, naturally, I thought: why not cycle across the country?

As I've been preparing for this challenge, I've realised that cycling and therapy have more in common than I first thought. Neither is really about speed. Both involve putting one foot—or one pedal stroke—in front of the other and trusting that small steps add up over time.

The C2C feels daunting, but that's partly the point. It's an opportunity to challenge myself while raising money for a charity that makes a real difference to local children and families.

**What your donation could do**

£25 could fund a week of enrichment activities for a child, helping them to express themselves, build confidence and simply enjoy being a child.

£50 could provide therapeutic materials for CAP's youth club for a whole term, giving young people opportunities to explore their feelings through creativity and play.

£80 could fund a week of therapeutic support for a child and their family, including counselling, one-to-one therapy and ongoing support for parents and schools.

If you're able to support me, I'd be incredibly grateful. Every donation, whether large or small, will help the Cambridge Acorn Project continue its vital work with local children and families.

Thank you for cheering me on and helping to make a difference.