I am embarking on a special cycling journey from Reading to Paris, venue for the 2024 Olympics, covering over 500 kilometers in just four days - a bit of a challenge!. However, this ride has a more serious purpose - to raise awareness and money to help women in Afghanistan.

Since the Taliban takeover in August 2021, many women have been denied access to education, amongst many other rights and freedoms we - in the west, and men in particular - take for granted. Devastating at a personal level, denying education to women also robs a country of 50% of its doctors, engineers, farmers, teachers - you get the idea.

Through the 'Restoring Hope' campaign by Women for Women International UK, I aim to help make a difference by raising funds to support these women.

How do i link this to cycling and the Olympics?

Cycling, like education, represents freedom, and I was deeply inspired when I met two young Afghan women - Mina and Arefa - who had to leave their homes to pursue their dream of competing in cycling at the Paris Olympics. They came to compete in my cycling club's own race as part of their preparation and their resilience and determination touched my heart, and has inspired me to raise money to help their sisters in Afghanistan

You can join me in this cause by supporting the 'Restoring Hope' campaign through the provided link. Your contribution will directly impact the lives of Afghan women and honour the example of women like Mina and Arefa. Thank you for considering this opportunity to restore hope and empower women and build a better World through education.