I am sure that a fair few of my friends and colleagues know I am a keen cyclist, some may be aware of the challenges I have taken on in the past supporting various charities. Cycling for me is a great way to unwind with friends, clear my head on solo rides or just enjoying the outdoors.

This year I have decided to take on my next challenge which is something I have wanted to complete for a couple of years now and attempt to ride the South Downs Way in a day. I could have ridden this as part of an organised event, or even in a small team, but I have decided to make the challenge a little more difficult and ride it solo.

I have ridden some challenging events in the past, London to Paris, L’Etape du Tour de France and three times up Mont Ventoux to list a few, but I see the South Downs Way as my toughest challenge so far! I will be attempting this challenge on a Mountain Bike as the South Downs Way is majority off road. This will be my first off road challenge and it will be 100 miles of trail with around 10,000ft of elevation.

I will be attempting this challenge to honour the memory of Liam Leggatt who is the Cousin of my Partner. Liam unfortunately experienced Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) since a teenager, and over the years his symptoms became more severe. Liam tragically took his own life at the age of 25.      

Sadly, not enough is known about BDD and there is only one charity globally that aims to support research into the understanding and treatment of it. The BDD Foundations aim is to relieve the suffering for people with BDD, while advancing research, treatments, and awareness of the condition.

The term Body Dysmorphic Disorder describes a disabling preoccupation with perceived defects or flaws in appearance. It can affect all genders and makes sufferers excessively self-conscious. Onlookers are frequently perplexed because they can see nothing out of the ordinary, but BDD causes devastating distress and interferes with the ability to function socially.

Suicide is still the single biggest killer of men under the age of 45 in the UK. The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) are united against suicide. They stand together with everyone who is struggling with life, no matter who they are, where there from or what they are going through. They do it through their life-saving services, national campaigns, and by building communities.

CALM helplines and webchat are open 365 days a year, offering practical suggestions for all of life’s problems - whether that’s anxiety, relationship concerns, health worries, money worries or suicidal thoughts. Their staff answer a call every 59 seconds - they listen, talk, and help people struggling with life to make a plan so they can begin to look to the future.  

I will be attempting this challenge to raise awareness for the following two charities;

BDDF

CALM