A little bit of resolve

Like many of the good things that happened in 2013 it started with Alison Chisnell. We were chatting with Paul Farmer the Chief Executive of Mind. He was congratulating Alison on completing the Royal Parks Half Marathon and someone mentioned that I had come along on my bike and supported her.

Foolishly, Paul mentioned that he fancied doing a bike ride so I threw down the gauntlet and challenged him to pick an event and promised to go with him. The conversation moved on but unfortunately for Paul he then saw me several times in the following weeks at various events and I pestered him. He finally weakened and chose an event. This time it was me that was unfortunate, Paul chose the Ride London 100.

Now I only had knee surgery a few months ago and I’ve struggled to get back in the groove of riding again. I think some of my confidence has gone after going over the handlebars so I haven’t really kicked on. Also, I used to see riding as a way to escape my mind and now that I’m at therapy every week I need to examine the feelings, not exercise them away.

Which is code for “drat what have I got myself in to?”

I need an incentive to help me to complete this event. I’m confident that with enough training (the ride isn’t until August) I can do the distance, even with injury niggles. I’ve got my bike serviced, bought some mudguards so that wet conditions won’t stop me but I really need something to stiffen my resolve and make me get out there and ride through the winter.

Which is where you come in. I’m hoping to raise £1000 as a minimum (heck I’m riding with the Chief Exec I’ve got to do my bit).  I’ve asked a lot of you all in the last year, your patience, your tolerance and your understanding. You’ve given me that in spades and I’m grateful.

Now I need the cold hard cash.

The fundraising page is at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/projectlibero

I’m sure you don’t need me to tell you about the great work that Mind do, I’ve written about them enough but I will just quote their values

Open. we reach out to anyone who needs us
Together. We’re stronger in partnership
Responsive. We listen, we act
Independent. We speak out fearlessly
Unstoppable. We never give up

Please please please support me on this ride. If you’ve wavering, remember that it took me 16 months to get talking therapy, that shouldn’t be the case.

I promise not to pester you with request after request. I am aiming to make some short films to show you my progress and I’ve also got a few fun things lined up to auction but it would really help my training if you could donate and push me out on to that bike this winter.

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/projectlibero

My final plea? Look what you helped me do last time