I love my sports but after completing my 10th marathon in 2016, long distance running started to become challenging. I noticed this while training for my next race and thought it was due to me just overdoing it, and it wasn’t until a few years later that I sought medical advice. I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and problems with the heart. My doctor advised that I get back into walking, swimming and cycling, but finding the motivation while not being able to run was really hard. A three month medicinal treatment was ineffective so I’ve recently undergone a heart operation and although my recovery is going well, I’m still unable to run. I love being a member of my local running club and I’ve found it lonely not being able to go out. I can, however, ride my bike and having the challenge of the London to Brighton Cycle to look forward to has really helped me with my physical and mental wellbeing.

The London to Brighton Cycle has always been something I’ve been interested in but never had any luck in the ballot. I thought that raising money for a good cause would be the perfect motivation to get back on my bike. I’m so happy and grateful to be able to fundraising for Blind Veterans UK. I’m looking forward to it so much – the excitement is killing me.

My daughter has worked at the charity for over two years and she has shared lots of inspiring stories about the blind veterans they support. They have done so much for our country and supporting them now is a way to give back. I am so honoured to be fundraising for these extraordinary people. If you can, please sponsor me and help show them how grateful we are for what they have done, and remind them that their lost comrades and loved ones are not forgotten.