CHARITY BIKE RIDE 

Since becoming a mum, I have also become an emotional wreck! I am unable to hear stories about children and I weep at most TV programmes that even mention a baby/child. The obvious ones like DIY SOS and 24 Hours in A&E are sure to send me into a hysterical, blubbering, blotchy mess but I've also been known to cry over an episode of Escape to the Country... so this gives you an idea of my post-baby emotional state.

A friend of ours has always been a supporter of the South West Children's Hospice, as his daughter was very sick during her early years and found huge support through this charity. Every year he completes a mammoth bike ride from Cornwall to Bristol to help to raise money for this incredible cause.

Last year, my husband and I went to cheer him on as he came over the finish line (which happened to be at one of their hospices in Bristol).  Some of the children who are helped by the hospice were also there cheering on the teams as they came in... and it truly tugged at my heart strings. We are so lucky to have two happy and healthy children. This is definitely not a given in life... and seeing the realities makes you think about the struggles so many people go through daily.

This was the first year that our friend had cycled this charity event alone and it is not only a hugely physical challenge but it's also emotionally challenging too.

As we stood there on the finish line, congratulating him on his incredible achievement and the money he'd raised, we promised to support him the following year... by cycling it with him!

The words had fallen out of our mouths before we really considered their weight... but ...my mindset on the day was...  "I can surely give up one weekend of my life to help people less fortunate than myself" and I stand by that decision.

The reality is, however, that it is going to be a lot more commitment, time and training than one weekend. 

I have NEVER ridden a road bike before in my life. I have barely been on a bike in the last 15 years, so this is definitely going to be a challenge.

You can follow our progress here: