A Race To Nowhere is a cycle race where everyone wins, to raise money for The New Normal. I was very fortunate in the past to have people to talk to when times got really tough for me – since then I believe that mental health resources should be available to everyone, free of charge, with no strings attached.

The New Normal Charity (TNN) offers free peer support groups for grief and mental health for diverse communities, all operated by volunteers. They host regular meetings (online and in person here in London) where you can just turn up and talk to someone when you are struggling. Find all the sessions and information about the people who run them on www.thenewnormalcharity.com

What I'll do
I'm taking part in the Race to Nowhere, raising awareness for TNN. In the week between August 23–29 I’ll challenge myself to ride 1000 km in just 7 days, while working full time, to bring awareness to the fact that TNN is operated by volunteers. I'll do this whatever you do, regardless if you donate or just sit there and watch me suffer.

How can you help?
If you believe in mental health support for everyone, I'd be grateful for your support – just donate a few pounds that you would otherwise spend on your coffee. Any help is much appreciated. Any funds raised will go directly to TNN and help them to build beyond volunteers and grow to support more people through challenging moments.

Oh ... I also had a terrible idea – the twist
This might appeal to my sadistic friends, and to be honest, just writing this hurts my legs. I will ride 1000km one way or another but IF I manage to exceed my donation target of £1000 ... I'll keep riding. For every additional £1 donated I will ride another 1km. Until I can't anymore on Sunday evening. That's right, if £1200 in total get donated, I will need to ride 1200km in 7 days. It's fucked up, I know. What possibly could go wrong?

Instagram: @towardsfocus
Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/434507