This is one heck of a challenge for me. I didn't even own a bike before lockdown!

During the confinement of lockdown, as we shielded our clinically vulnerable daughter, I needed some form of release, so I bought a bike. 

From a decidedly shaky start, I persevered, gradually working out how to use the gears to help rather than hinder my rides and actually started to enjoy my little circuit around the park.

Then an email popped into my inbox from BCH Charity seeking participants for their forthcoming fundraising challenge - a monster 250 mile bike ride. From pottering 5 miles around the park to embarking on a 250 mile cycle is a pretty ginormous leap and I would have expected to swerve this one, but astonishingly I just couldn't press the delete button. 

Birmingham Children's Hospital is an immensely special place.  I have first-hand experience of the dedicated, courageous and compassionate teams who work tirelessly to provide the best possible treatment for all of the children they care for. 

My daughter, Abbie, was born with multiple complex medical needs. Over the years there have been countless appointments, emergency admissions, prolonged hospital stays, tests and operations and every time Abbie receives exceptional care.

I will never be able to thank BCH enough for everything they do for Abbie. But, they continue to inspire me to do all I can to help raise vital funds to enable them to provide the best possible facilities and environment for all of their patients and families.

Any support you can give will be greatly appreciated and help to spur me on through the months and months of training that lie ahead of me!

Massive thanks. Your support will make a real difference.

Liz xxx