When my mobility deteriorated around 10 years ago, I had to stop cycling, and I really missed it. Cycling had been a big part of my life, and for 7 years I didn't cycle, but after a trip to Bruges and being surrounded by all types of cycles, I knew I had to find a way to ride again. I discovered the Jorvik Jet-E electric assist tricycle, which was perfect, but not in an achievable price range for me. Then I discovered the Arctic One Foundation's Forward Motion Grant scheme. An email to Matt, a form completed, and they provided me with a grant of £400 towards the cost of the trike! This opened up my world again, going from needing to use a wheelchair or mobility scooter to go out, to now being able to join group rides, or just take myself off on my own to explore and enjoy the freedom that cycling brings.

This made a huge difference to me, and Arctic One have done the same for so many other people, giving disabled people the opportunity to pursue sport and physical activity at all levels, from me getting the trike and just being to do a couple of km under my own steam, to supporting para athletes competing at national and international level.

I want to be able to give back to Arctic One, and in January I decided on the (perhaps crazy) challenge of attempting to cycle up two mountains in the French Alps while I'm on holiday in August; Mont Ventoux (20.8km, 7.7% average gradient) and Col de la Bonette (the highest mountain pass in France - 23.3km, 6.8% average gradient ). I've been training as hard as I can, whilst balancing this with not overexerting myself and triggering a Fibromyalgia Flare-up. I'm starting to feel quite confident, so health and weather permitting, I plan to have a go at l'alpe d'huez as well (14km, average gradient 8%, total ascent 1122m).

I might not make it up all three, but I'll give it my best shot, and hope my legs can do enough of the work make the battery last!

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.