In May, alongside my co-captain and good friend Fiona, I will be taking on my second cycle challenge for Northumbria Sport Foundation.  This time I will be cycling 200 miles over 3 days, travelling up the Northumberland Coast, through Northumberland National Park and across the Scottish boarder. All donations will be greatly appreciated no matter how big or small. 

Mental health awareness is something close to my heart, and I would imagine if you have or have not experienced mental health issues yourself, then you will know someone who has. Please read below to find out exactly what Northumbria Sport Foundation is doing with the money you have so kindly donated!

I am completing this challenge to raise money for the Northumbria Sport Foundation, supporting their campaign to raise a total £10,000 to support student mental health. 1 in 4 students experience mental health problems while at university, with the suicide rate amongst students now higher than in the general population. In the 2017/18 academic year, over 2000 Northumbria University students accessed he University's mental health and counselling service.  

It is because of this that it is so important that the Northumbria Sport Foundation can support innovative research based approaches to helping students and giving them the best possible chance to achieve their potential, both in university and beyond. Northumbria University is now funding and launching a new exercise referral programme, with clear evidence to suggest clear positive links between physical activity and improved mental health.