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In 2020 Mat contracted COVID, took months to recover and was subsequently diagnosed with Hypermobile EDS. This is a genetic disease with no cure affecting the bodies connective tissues. Mat's symptoms are constant joint pain, dislocations, extreme fatigue and anxiety.

An active child Mat enjoyed swimming, dancing (ballet, tap and jazz), horse riding and other outdoor activities, but now needs crutches, pain medication and regular physiotherapy. 

So in 2021 I decided to raise money for the EDS Support UK charity. Being a regular cyclist and having raised money for a number of children's charities through cycling this was the obvious way forwards. However in May 2021 whilst taking part in the 'Suffolk100' cycling sportive, having cycled 80 miles, I was involved in a road traffic accident. I broke three vertebrae and my right acromion. Whilst lying in the road waiting for an ambulance I vowed to return and complete the sportive.

I spent the following week in Ipswich hospital before being discharged to return home to North London. I wore a back brace for the next six weeks. With physiotherapy and gentle Pilates I got back on my feet and set myself short term goals. First to walk a mile, second to return to the primary school I work at by September, next to ride a bicycle. In time I have rebuilt my strength and stamina and this year returned and completed the 'Suffolk100'.

So here we are. Eleven friends and I plan to cycle through 'Five Countries in Five Days' and raise money for our chosen charities. On September 17th we cycle from Grange Park, North London. So please wish us well and donate if you can.

Day1-Grange Park to Harwich

Day2-Hook of Holland to Baarle Nassau

Day3-Baarle Nassau to Maastricht

Day4-Maastricht to St Vith

Day5-St Vith to Luxembourg

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