My event challenge: On the 26th May, I will be cycling 100 miles through the streets of London and the picturesque villages and countryside of neighbouring Essex. I cannot believe that I will be cycling on the A12 past Chelmsford and right out to Great Dunmow before coming back to London - all in one day 😱. Thankfully the roads will be closed.

My cycling journey: In 2021 my birthday present was a road bike. In 2022 I completed my first 30 mile ride. In 2023 I cycled my first 60 miles. In 2024 I am hoping to cycle my first 100 miles.

My fundraising choice: As you will know, I have been working with Home-Start Cotswolds for 18 years and as I spend much of my time applying for funds, I thought I would combine my work and my sporting activities and raise some money by cycling (Very far!!).

How Home-Start helps: We have a fabulous team of staff and volunteers at Home-Start Cotswolds. They work to support families who are going through tough times until they rebuild their confidence and feel able to face the challenges of everyday family life.

Each week about 30 of our volunteers will have spent time sitting in the home of a parent who has struggles with anxiety and self- esteem. Listening is key to our work and the family’s story might include abuse, broken relationships, growing up in care, traumatic birth, health conditions and health/development issues. When you add the trials of having small children to these situations you realise why our support can be so needed.

By sponsoring me to complete this 100 mile challenge not only will you spur me on, but you will be helping us to train more volunteers who will take support into a family's home.

Family feedback: "I think the biggest difference with Home-Start's support compared to other services is my volunteer wanted to be here. She didn't have to be, but she always showed up each week and dedicated her time to supporting me. It took me a while to accept there are amazing people in this world who care, and she is one of them"

Please click here to see more about how Home-Start Cotswolds make an impact throughout the community