Ordinary to Extraordinary (O2e) is a charity focused on supporting individuals to push their limits through physical challenges, whilst fundraising for children's charities. Their mission is to help people further themselves through exercise and adventure, and to improve the lives of children who are in need of help due to disability or illness through fundraising.

O2e's biggest annual event is Big Kev’s Bike Ride which takes place in September every year and I have personally tackled this five times so far. The route is different for every event, with all of them being as rewarding as they were challenging. This year the ride heads to Luxembourg (previous ride to the beautiful Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy shown as a taster of similarly beautiful European landscapes to come).

Signing up to a challenge like this take commitment. Choosing early morning training rides over sleep, family time or another Peep Show marathon means making time for preparation alongside everyday life.  So why do it?  The rewards are massive - you’ll gain fitness, hit new personal milestones, meet loads of like minded people and see some of the most beautiful corners of Europe from the saddle. Just as importantly, the training and the ride itself help build mental resilience and confidence - learning to stay focused, push through discomfort, and keep going when things get tough. But the greatest reward of all is seeing exactly whose lives we are helping to change - one bike ride at a time!

The charities O2e are supporting this year are:

CASPA: CASPA provides advice, support and life skill development opportunities for children, young people and families affected by autism.

ELHAP: ELHAP provides adventure play opportunities to disabled and disadvantaged children, young people and adults.

St Elizabeth’s: St Elizabeth’s is one of only two national centres offering a range of services to all age groups with learning difficulties, providing holistic care, support, health and education services in a safe environment for very vulnerable people.

Taylor Made Dreams: Taylor-Made Dreams enables children with life-limiting illnesses to achieve their dreams when time is precious. The charity helps children and their families experience meaningful time together, which otherwise may not have been possible without support from their services.

Wheel Power: A charity providing opportunities for people with physical impairments to take part in sport.

Learning about the families O2e supports puts everything into perspective. Seeing the look on a parent's face when they receive a piece of life-changing equipment makes every uphill climb worth it. It’s the realization that while we choose our challenges for a weekend, these families face theirs every single day—and we have the power to make their journey just a little bit smoother. And because O2e is run by volunteers, every penny raised goes straight to the cause.

Since my first Big Kev’s ride, it was clear this wasn't some stuffy charity. The atmosphere is more like a group of mates pushing each other through 200+ miles across borders with plenty of snacks, laughs, and an after-party that won’t be forgotten. You don’t need "pro" legs; you just need a bike, some grit, a sense of humour and a desire to make a difference.

Please support the cause and make a real difference