In 2020, I planned to fundraise for Sands and complete a Lands End to John O Groats (LEJOG) cycle. I intended to cycle 1800km in 18 days. With the idea to complete the challenge on the 13th August 2020 - Which would have been my sister, Poppy's, 18th Birthday. 

Unfortunately, when I was planning the challenge, I had my bike stolen. Fast forward six weeks and the UK went into Lockdown for the first time. Therefore, the challenge took a back-seat as we all adapted to ever-changing times. Although, I still had the unshakeable desire to conquer a LEJOG cycle in memory of Poppy. 

In 2021, I decided to plan the cycle again for the following Summer. This time aiming for 2000km in 20 days, to coincide with what would have been Poppy's 20th birthday. Although, I later changed the idea to make it twice as difficult (you can ask me why later!) by making it 2000 miles instead of kilometres. My intention being to complete Lands End to John O Groats. Then cycle all the way down to Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire. The reason for adding an extra 900 miles to an already difficult challenge is because I was born and grew up in Hemel Hempstead. And more importantly, it is where Poppy was laid to rest in 2002. Therefore, I believed it would be synonymous with Poppy's memory for the challenge to finish in Hemel Hempstead. 

I am fundraising for Sands. An excellent charity and one close to my family after the support we received in 2002. Now, as a thank you, I want to give back as much as possible to this great cause. This will help Sands in their work towards reducing the number of baby deaths per year. And to continue to provide crucial support to families suffering from bereavement following the loss of a baby. All donations received will go directly to Sands and any costs incurred by myself/the team will be self-funded and not come from any proceeds raised for Charity. 

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and in supporting my challenge through your donations, likes, shares and interactions. The support so far from friends, relatives and everyone in between means the world to me. It has boosted my confidence in preparation and will encourage me to keep the pedals turning a few million times over this summer!