On the 27th of May 2026, In 24 hours I’m aiming to ride 1,000 miles around the United Kingdom, a challenge known by the Iron Butt Association as the SaddleSore 1000. No heroics: setting off from The Dales in Blyth and heading straight down the A1 to Huntingdon, west to Walsall, north up the west coast to Inverness, east across to Aberdeen, then back to The Dales in Blyth. Weather permitting, my target date is the 20th of July 2026.

I’ve chosen to raise money for The Dales School in Blyth because of the remarkable work they do with my son Hector and so many other children with additional needs. The staff at The Dales create a calm, nurturing environment where every child is understood as an individual, with tailored support that helps them communicate, learn and feel safe. They use specialist approaches, play-based learning, and structured routines to help children make sense of the world and to build their confidence step by step.

The Dales doesn’t just focus on the classroom; it helps pupils develop social skills, independence and emotional resilience, preparing them for life beyond school in ways that are genuinely practical and meaningful. The progress Hector has made there – in how he engages, interacts and experiences the world – is proof of the difference they make every single day. By supporting this ride, you’ll be helping The Dales to continue providing that level of care, expertise and encouragement to Hector and many other children who simply wouldn’t thrive in a mainstream setting.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for any support you can offer, whether that’s donating, sharing the page, or just cheering me on.