Thank you for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. I'm taking on one complete lap of the #SpinalCircuit, that's 1800K, in just 6 days. The virtual circuit covers all 11 spinal units in the UK.

Although I am an experienced endurance cyclist, riding 300K (roughly 186 miles) a day for 6 consecutive days will be the toughest challenge I have ever undertaken. To add to the mix, in the current climate of #SocialDistancing and the need to #StayHomeSaveLives, the entire ride will be completed solo within the confines of my back garden, where I will ride on rollers. 

(If you're not familiar with rollers, this is the Wikipedia description: "Bicycle rollers are a type of bicycle trainer that make it possible to ride a bicycle indoors without moving forward. However, unlike other types of bicycle trainers, rollers do not attach to the bicycle frame, and the rider must balance him or herself on the rollers while training")

My #SpinalCircuit will start at 8 am on Sunday 10th May and will finish around 6 pm on Friday 15th May, which is Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Day. I estimate it will take around 60 hours to cycle the total Spinal Circuit of 1800K, which will be 10 hours a day. The ride will be recorded, will be posted on Strava and will also be live on Zoom. Check back here for details of the Zoom link, which will also be posted on on my social media feed. 

Why Back Up? 

For over 30 years, they've helped people and their families to rebuild their independence after a devastating spinal cord injury. Their award-winning, practical services, challenge the perceptions of what's possible. Back Up is at the forefront of helping people adjust positively to spinal cord injury because their support is provided by people who have been there and understand. Back Up is there for people in their darkest hours so they can get back to living life to the full. 

Over the next three months, 540 people will sustain a spinal cord injury, at a time when health services will be pushed to their limits. They will be frightened, and in need of support from people who understand the challenges they are facing. They need to get through this and come out stronger on the other side. People affected by spinal cord injury need Back Up to still exist in 2021. 

Back Up services rely on events and challenge fundraising and the global COVID-19 health crisis has left them rapidly adapting their work whilst facing a dramatic loss of income. The COVID-19 crisis does not stop six people from sustaining a spinal cord injury every day and, by supporting me, you can help to ensure they will have access to courses, mentoring, and support back to the workplace.

Getting to know and working with Back Up and a large number of hand cyclists over the last 8 years has been a total privilege for me (see a selection of photos by clicking on the map above). I feel passionately about equal sporting opportunities, regardless of race, gender and disability and the time that I have spent with these athletes has been inspirational; they are resilient and exceptional.

People affected by SCI do not chose their circumstance, but with the help of incredible charities like Back Up, they can, and do, achieve splendid and phenomenal things. Riding with them has changed my life, it has humbled and inspired me, it has taught me to be strong in the face of adversity, it has taught me to be kind and appreciative, it has made me a better person. Please join me in ensuring that Back Up can continue their vital work..