This August, I’m taking on the massive challenge of cycling 2,500 around the UK in 1 month, to raise awareness and money for the MND Association.

In May last year, I lost my Mum to Motor Neurone Disease.  Throughout her illness and since her death, my cycling has been a continual tonic to my grief.  Central to my healing process.  When I’m on my bike, I feel content.  At peace and exhilarated all at the same time.

Life is Simple. Just keep pedalling.

Since she went (and before), I have felt a desperate need to do something extraordinary.  To raise awareness of what she went through, and to celebrate my mobility, every day that I have it.

So I’ve decided to get on my bike and cycle a very long way!  As far as from London to Azerbaijan, longer than the Tour de France.  It’s about 100 miles a day.  (with the odd “light” day thrown in).

Because MND is more horrific that anyone can imagine.  There is no known cause, cure or treatment.  Once diagnosed, its just a waiting game.  Gradually it stops you from moving, speaking, eating, and eventually breathing…  What makes it worse is that it doesn’t affect your intellect, meaning that you know what is happening to you, every step of the way.

It kills 5 people in the UK every day, and yet no one knows what it is.  And no one ever talks about MND, except in terms of Assisted Suicide.  It’s time that we told a more positive story, and raised awareness of the talented and dedicated people who are searching for answers.

One day, people will survive MND  and I hope that it is in my lifetime.  Not least because 1 in 10 sufferers inherit it….

So  as well as raising money, I need to raise AWARENESS more than anything.  I want people to talk about my ride.  But me doing it isn’t enough,. I need media coverage.   No one else can do this for me.  But there are ways in which people can help.  And perhaps there are ways in which you can help me... Or someone you know.

I want cyclists to join me as I go.  For an hour, a day,  maybe even two.  Little peletons of cycling clubs, individuals, celebrities.  Do you know anyone who loves their bike, can handle a fair few miles and would like to join me?

I need media coverage, both regional and national, to help spread the word and get people talking.  Do you know any journalists, DJs or film makers, who might like to tell the story?

I want MND to be talked about across the nation, for people to know what it is, and realise that it’s not that rare, for it to be talked about in mainstream primetime media,  For more funding to be debated in the House of Commons.

Because the more people there are that know about MND, the more money we can all raise in the future, for care, for research, for answers.

So that’s my story.  I am not an athlete, and I will never win a gold medal.  But by getting on my bike and pushing myself to my absolute limits, I believe that I can do something good, and make a difference.

I hope you can help me spread that word!  Thank you x
Follow me on Twitter: @becsroberts