WHAT AM I DOING?

This July, I will be competing in what's been called the world's toughest race: the Transcontinental Bicycle Race - an exercise in strength, logistics, endurance, and sleep deprivation. I am one of 300 athletes from around the world selected to race the 10th anniversary event, seeking to be the fastest cyclist to cross the European continent unassisted. I will ride c.4,400km through 16 countries and be my own mechanical, medical, and navigational support as I route my way from Roubaix, France to checkpoints in Slovenia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Kosovo before finishing in Istanbul, Turkey.

MY STORY & WHY I'M ASKING FOR YOUR SUPPORT

I ran my first Commonwealth Games qualifying time at 15 years old, and my early life was structured around the demands of an Olympic hopeful. But the course of my life changed when an injury required extensive surgery to both my feet. Soon after I developed a disease of my nervous system which caused near total-body paralysis. I was confined to a bed for several years, not thinking I would live to see my 20th birthday.

In those years my goals changed from running an Olympic qualifying time to surviving. But over time I gained confidence to try and flex my toes, feed myself independently, and hold a pencil well enough to write my name. During this time there were numerous charities involved in my care, and I could not have recovered without them.

What my rehabilitation taught me is that we are capable of enduring infinitely more than we think, and that compassion for yourself and others can be your competitive edge, both in sport and in life.

I now use ultra endurance training as a way to explore the emotional and physical limits of my body as it exists today while bringing awareness to impactful charities.

I would be grateful if you could support me on my journey to raise funds for this charity.

Media coverage:

Rouleur magazine feature

Podcast on True Endurance - reached #1 sports podcast in 6 countries

CyclingPlus magazine

Netflix - Onboard the Transcontinental Race