So those that know me well know I'm not adverse to crazy ideas that seem somewhat unrealistic - just like I felt walking to the fridge and back was sufficient training to climb Ben Nevis!! But this time there's a reason for my challenge other than my usual motto that we're here for a good time not a long time... and if I can do it, anyone can do it!!

Humour aside, most people will know I'm an incredibly private person. So I hope you all understand that writing and speaking about this isn't easy for me. But I'm willing to waive my privacy on this occasion if it means I can help others.

I have suffered with heightened levels of feeling anxious and low self esteem for a number of years for various reasons including a string of mentally abusive relationships. Then came 2017. Having spent four months with someone who in the beginning was eerily nice, things came to a twisted end when he humiliated and sexually assaulted me with only his friends as witnesses - he then left me stranded for his friend to then attack me. The full graphic details are of course not important. I did what I thought was the right thing and reported the incident to the police... But I'll let you guess the outcome seeing as none of the witnesses were my friends... total neutral comment of course.... Anyway... cue the mental breakdown, a diagnosis of anxiety, a therapy referral and a prescription to literally help me breathe.

It was at that stage Safety Net (UK) entered my life. Safety Net (UK) are a charity who help those who have suffered sexual and domestic, abuse and violence. Anyone who's ever used services like this will know that they really do save lives.

I've been through months of therapy and I'm learning that not only is it ok not to be ok, this incident was not my fault and nor was the past mental abuse.  I am not worthless - depending which day you catch me of course!

I've mentally fought everyday to keep going. There have been days when I've genuinely wanted to smile and days when I've literally hidden under the duvet. I'm working on more of the former and less of the latter...!!

By no means do I think that there are not others out there that have been through worse, some with less mental health battles at the end; But it was this incident that broke me and that's ok as everyone is entitled to their own trauma. It's my brain and it wanted to break - even I can't change that even if I wanted to.

Just like I've told myself that mentally I will be ok, I have also repeatedly told myself I can cycle from the capital of England to the capital of France... despite being an unfit asthmatic smoker with a glass back...!! But without Safety Net (UK) I wouldn't feel mentally strong enough to do this. Physically is a totally different kettle of fish!!

Alongside some experienced cyclists and fabulous friends, I'll begin my ride on Saturday 26 May 2018 at our iconic Big Ben. It ends at the Eiffel Tower on Tuesday 29 May. Wish me luck that I can make it!! 4 days, approximately 265 miles... one knackered Shearer!!

So in a long winded way I'm simply asking you to please donate whatever you can spare. Not only so others know they are not alone and mental health is not taboo; but to help me help others as every penny donated helps to heal another person.

Thank you all - especially those that have helped to hold me up along my journey. I may need you to physically hold me up when I return home!!