For the past year I have been on an incredible adventure cycling around the world. So far I have ridden through eight countries, including France, Spain, Portugal, the US, New Zealand, Taiwan and Japan, covered over 9000km and climbed the height of Everest 10 times.

This is ridiculous. I am one of the luckiest people on the planet to be in a position to even begin considering doing such a thing. That I can cross borders with ease, have the means to take a year off work, have been treated kindly by everyone I've met and have a home to return to, is the total opposite experience of so many. What kind of world have we created, where people like me get to have adventure after adventure, but those who are forced from their homes are routinely met by hostility, violence and the denial of their human rights?

I don't feel I can continue pedalling without trying to make things a tiny bit fairer. That's why I'm raising money for the final leg of my journey through Thighs of Steel's DO IT THIGHSELF campaign to support refugees and migrants in Europe and the UK.

From 13 July until the end of August I will be cycling home from Budapest. The 2500km route will take me through 11 countries, including across the Alps, and I'll be attempting to ride upwards of 80km per day (which even after all the practice I've had won't be easy, considering how heavy my panniers are and how big the climbs are going to be!). The super amazing Holly Wallis will be joining me for the final 1200km, and you can sponsor her too.

I often seem to run out of steam when the end is in sight, so your donations will provide the motivation to make it up the hills and arrive home smiling.

Thank you in advance for your genorosity!

Here's some more info about the DO IT THIGHSELF campaign, and where your donations will be going. Thanks again!

This summer cyclists from across the UK are organising rides and jumping on their bikes to join Thighs of Steel, and their charity partner MASS Action, in fundraising for projects supporting migrants and refugees in Europe and the UK.

Anti-migrant rethoric is on the rise across Europe, borders are becoming more violent and funding for smaller, grassroots projects supporting displaced people is drying up. Our support is need more than ever.

For the past seven years, Thighs of Steel has raised thousands of pounds by organising epic cycle rides across Europe for MASS Action, a volunteer-run UK charity who holds longstanding partnerships with European grassroots refugee projects. This year they are encouraging riders to create their own challenges. The funds raised will be distributed by MASS Action to the following projects: Khora (Greece), Mazi Housing Project (Greece), Calais Appeal (France).

You can read more about these projects here - https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/solidaritycycling2024

Every donation makes a difference. For example, at the Khora community centre in Athens:

- £10 buys 20kg of fresh fruit and veg to serve at the Khora community kitchen, free for anyone who needs a hot meal with friendly faces

- £50 covers the costs of running the Khora Asylum Support Team for a day, providing vital, free legal support to asylum seekers in Athens

- £100 pays the electricity, water and gas bills at the Khora kitchen for a FORTNIGHT

- £250 covers food supplies needed at the Khora kitchen for a whole MONTH

Thank you