Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

In July I will be attempting to cycle 255 miles in just one day! I will be doing this to raise money for the British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM), an amazing charity who helped me through a very tough period in my life.

In 2022 I was involved in a crash which left me requiring surgery on my arm. This would be a difficult time for anyone, but as a professional pianist, my career was severely threatened. The NHS provided incredible initial care for me (I’ve had many a medical person since say just how beautifully they managed to piece together and realign my bone!) but I reached a point where the NHS had done all they could, but I still hadn’t regained the fine motor control, dexterity and stamina that I needed to play the piano to a high level. I reached out to BAPAM to see if they could provide the specific expert help that I needed, and ever since my first contact they have been nothing but brilliant.

Over the last two years, BAPAM have put me in contact with numerous specialists, all of whom are trained to work with musicians. I’ve been provided with care from physios, hand surgeons, musculoskeletal doctors and psychotherapists, all with the aim of getting me back to where I was before the crash and to be able to earn a living doing what I love best; playing the piano.

All of this incredible expert help I was able to access for free.

Moreover, right from the start, BAPAM understood the severity of the injury and the signifiant impact that it had on my life. This understanding was a massive relief and comfort for me, especially after having spent months fighting to make myself heard, trying to explain to doctors just how serious this injury was for me and how vital it was that my hand regained full dexterity. Music is my livelihood, not just “a hobby” (as one consultant described the piano to me). This is something that I never had to explain to anyone from BAPAM. Everyone made me feel completely supported, understood and valued. I will be forever grateful for this.

I can honestly say that I wouldn’t be where I am now without the incredible work carried out by BAPAM, and so I am only too happy to try and give something back to them with this sponsored ride. I am hoping to raise as much as possible to help BAPAM to continue to support performing artists, so please help in any way you can, whether that is with a donation, or helping to spread the word.

The British Association for Performing Arts Medicine (BAPAM) is the largest provider of clinical services to the UK’s performing arts sector, working with performers of all kinds, from musicians and singers to dancers, actors, and circus performers as well as those who work behind the scenes.

The charity provides free, bespoke care for performers and industry professionals from expert clinicians in a range of disciplines, responding to requests for help with mental health, musculoskeletal care, vocal health, hearing concerns and some eye care and dental health issues. BAPAM’s wider network of more than 300 specialists across the UK also offers support for health problems and injuries associated with creative practices.