My aim to ride a 75km off-road mountain bike route on 18th May will be a massive challenge for me as my longest off road ride to date is about 25km!

HOTS (Heaven of the South) is a charity bike event which donates every penny raised to local charities as well as celebrating the best trails, countryside and outdoor therapy that the beautiful Cotswold has to offer. Last year HOTS raised £18,000 for local charities!!

I have chosen to enter the event on behalf of Cotswold Canals Trust (CCT) and hope to raise funds for the tribe of volunteers who work endlessly to create and maintain beautiful countryside surroundings for us all to enjoy. CCT volunteers have been working since 1972 to restore, dredge, rebuild and dig sections of the original canal route which will, one day, reconnect The River Thames, with The River Severn - as it once was. The environmental benefits, local regeneration and community spirit are already being enjoyed by many on the newly opened sections in Stroud. The canal offers many benefits that improve both mental and physical health of local communities now and for years to come. I am so grateful for all their efforts and come rain or shine, I shall somehow make sure I get myself around that route on their behalf!

Thank you so much!