BIS Cycle Challenge

London to Brussels

8 people – 3 days – 217 miles

Why did I say I would do it……..?

That has been a question I have asked myself a lot over the last 4 months..

Finding time to train when working full time has been hard, the nights have been dark and we have had more rain than I can ever remember.  The training routes have been full of hills and difficult to navigate with traffic, puddles and the dreaded pot holes!  You really do realise how bad the roads are when you are riding miles on wheels that are no wider than a pencil.

Although there are 8 of us attempting the challenge most of my training rides have been solo and that is when I have struggled most.  I also had a bad fall last month where I landed on my face and that knocked my confidence a lot.  Through all of the tough rides where everything ached or I was wet through and freezing cold or when I could barely make it up a hill, the thing that kept me going the most was thinking about all of the people being supported by the hospice.  People that are struggling with pain, both physical and emotional. Patients having treatment, chemo, feeling sick, tired and frightened.  Every time I felt sorry for myself or felt like giving up I always thought of the patients and families being supported by the hospice and this made me dig deep and carry on.  After losing my husband 8 years ago I came to realise the valuable support the hospice can give and also the pain and uncertainty faced by both patients and families.  I cannot think of a better reason and motivator to push yourself to do an almost impossible challenge (for me) to show support and raise vital funds for the hospice.

I am writing this with 1 week to go until we set off and although I am incredibly nervous I am also proud to be supporting an amazing charity.

A huge thank you to everyone who has donated so far, you really are making a difference.

Delilah Howells