Ten years and one month ago, my close friend Vickie tragically died during childbirth.

Thanks to the incredible staff at Bristol's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, her daughter survived, but Vickie's loss is still felt deeply by her family and friends. She was kind, funny, fiercely loyal and one of the best people I've ever known.

In 2019 and 2025, I rode from Birmingham to Cheltenham, reflecting the journey Vickie made when she moved there. This year marks the tenth anniversary of her passing and I wanted to do something bigger.

Using one of my Civica Days of Difference, I'm cycling from Cheltenham to Manchester, covering more than 150 miles across two days. Originally, I had hoped to finish in Birmingham, but when plans changed, so did the route. The result is a much longer ride, with a mix of roads, towpaths and off-road sections and, if I'm honest, one that I'm quite nervous about.

I'll be stopping overnight just north of Birmingham before pushing on to Manchester the following day. It's the longest cycling challenge I've attempted and there will undoubtedly be moments when I question whose idea this was!

This ride is about remembering Vickie, celebrating the impact she had on those around her and keeping her memory alive ten years on.

If you're able to support the ride with a donation, thank you. Every contribution means a great deal and helps turn remembrance into something positive.