On 4th June, I'll be embarking on my toughest physical challenge yet - cycling the length of France, 870 miles, over 10 days. It's certainly not "all down hill" with around 17,900m of vertical ascent - that's twice the height of Mt Everest. I've covered nearly 5000km in training since January but I'm still terrified!

During my journey, I'm hoping to raise some vital funds for an incredible small charity close to the heart of my family - the Bedford Disabled Horse Riders Association (BDHRA). They provide the wonderful opportunity for local disabled children and adults to learn to ride horses, bringing a whole host of physical and mental benefits. Horse riding provides gentle physiotherapy, improving mobility and strengthening supportive muscles, over time helping disabled people to move more easily and with less pain. The immense enjoyment, freedom and confidence that horse riding brings can be especially beneficial for those suffering from mental health disorders. The charity works closely with local special schools, as well as helping disabled adult riders. The charity is entirely volunteer led, and the welfare of the ponies is paramount - it takes a special kind of pony to do their work. However looking after horses is never cheap - last year’s costs for keeping the ponies amounted to approximately £8000.

BDHRA receive no government funding and running costs for the centre per annum is around £40,000. Please dig deep and help this incredible charity keep helping improve lives. Let's see if we can raise a pound for every mile cycled!

Thank you!

Kate

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