My dearest friends lost their daughter through mental health issues last year. I think the pandemic has made us all a lot more understanding and sympathetic to this dreadful disease. And this is additionally a subject very near to my heart through close loved ones who are still struggling with this burden.

If by fundraising for Porchlight we can protect one person it will all be worth it. This is a subject that touches nearly all of us and we may not be able to bring back Polly as much as we wish it. But to help others in her name is a fitting tribute. 

We are cycling 130 miles in memory of Polly and we aim to raise £20,000 for Porchlight's Open Door project. This service provides community hubs in Kent with activities which promote work, health and learning, including important practical skills such as cooking cheap and nutritious meals. The hubs provide a valuable opportunity for people to spend social time with others in a safe environment, to access advice and support and to integrate homeless and marginalised people into the communities where Porchlight services are delivered. The hubs create opportunities for people to feel connected and widen their social networks. They are enormously valuable to their users and so we are really pleased that we can provide support as a tribute to Polly.