My wife and I (58) will be cycling the 2034km National Cycle Route 1 from the Shetlands to Dover in order to raise money for local mental health organisation, Pepper’s- A Safe Place.

We retired from teaching last year and hope to complete the ride over a 3-week period starting on 1st August. The route follows the Eastern part of Scotland and England and is less well known than the Land’s End to John O’ Groats route which the pair have cycled previously. We will be camping for much of the route, but with the occasional night indoors if the weather is particularly wet.

The ride will be a particular challenge for Ali, who 18 months ago could not get out of bed unaided. A diagnosis of Anklyosing Spondylitus, inflammatory arthritis of the spine, led to her being put on medication and exercises that 18 months later mean she is much more mobile and more pain free.

We are so lucky to have Peppers in our local area, both in Melton Mowbray and Oakham. I know so many people now who are really suffering with their mental health. I think that a service that offers people such a lovely welcome and such great support can really help many people in our community. And that’s why we want to try and raise as much money as we can to support what they are doing.

Pepper’s- A Safe Place provides regular drop-in sessions for people to look after their mental health and re-connect with the community. They offer a friendly welcome, peer support, a chance to relax, have fun and meet others. They also offer a drop-in session for parents with young kids or babies and can support the community on a 1:1 basis through their Friendship Project. There’s never any shortage of tea, coffee, biscuits or welcoming volunteers.