Why I’m Riding: A Journey of Love, Loss and Hope

Twelve months ago, I never imagined I would be preparing for a 60-mile charity bike ride. In fact, if you had asked me then whether I could even ride a few miles, I probably would have laughed.

Today, every pedal stroke has a purpose.

This ride isn’t about setting records or proving anything to anyone. It’s about remembering someone incredibly special to me—my mum—and helping other families who are facing the heartbreak of Alzheimer’s disease and Motor Neurone Disease.

Earlier this year, I lost my mum to Alzheimer’s disease.

Watching someone you love slowly lose their memories and seeing the person you know and love change because of this cruel illness is something that is incredibly difficult to put into words. Alzheimer’s doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed; it affects husbands, wives, children, friends and entire families. It takes away precious moments and creates challenges that no family should have to face.

Over the past few years, my own health has brought its own challenges. Because of ongoing health issues, I was unable to exercise in the way I once could. Gradually, my fitness declined, my weight increased, and eventually I found myself being classed as obese.

That was difficult—not only physically, but mentally too. It affected my confidence and the way I saw myself. I knew something had to change, but finding the motivation and the strength to take that first step wasn’t easy.

Then, after losing Mum, I realised I wanted to turn something painful into something positive.

I wanted to do something in her memory.

I wanted to challenge myself.

I wanted to help other families who are going through the same heartbreak.

So I got back on my bike.

When I started training, even a short ride felt like a huge challenge. There were days when a few miles felt like a mountain to climb. I was tired, out of breath, and there were moments where I questioned whether I had taken on something beyond my ability.

But slowly, things started to change.

Every ride made me stronger.

Every mile became an achievement.

Every step forward reminded me that change is possible.

The bike has become much more than exercise. It has become a place where I can think, remember, reflect and heal. It has given me a goal, helped me rebuild my confidence, and reminded me that progress isn’t about perfection—it is about refusing to give up.

This journey is also for my wife’s family, who have experienced their own devastating loss.

On Christmas Eve 2020, we lost my wife’s sister to Motor Neurone Disease. Just over a year later, on 30th December 2021, we lost her mum to the same devastating illness.

One of the hardest decisions our family ever had to make was that my mother-in-law never knew her daughter had passed away. We chose not to tell her because we wanted to protect her from the overwhelming pain and distress of losing her daughter, especially during a time when she was already facing the challenges of her own illness. It was an incredibly difficult decision, but one made with love, compassion and the desire to spare her that heartbreak.

Experiencing these illnesses within our family has shown us just how cruel they can be. They don’t just affect the person diagnosed—they affect everyone around them. They change lives, create unimaginable challenges, and leave families carrying memories, love and loss.

That is why this charity ride means so much to me.

The money raised from this challenge will be split equally between the Alzheimer’s Society and the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA). Fifty percent of everything raised will go to each charity, helping to support families, fund vital research, and bring hope to those affected by these devastating conditions.

As my training continues and the event gets closer, I will be launching an official fundraising page through a trusted donation platform. If my story has touched you and you are able to support the ride, I would be incredibly grateful.

There is absolutely no pressure to donate. Even sharing my journey, following my progress, or sending a message of encouragement means more than you know.

I will be sharing the highs, the lows, the challenges and the milestones as I work towards completing this ride. There will be difficult days, tough climbs, and moments when I question whether I can do it.

But then I will think of Mum.

I will remember her smile, her kindness, and all the memories that Alzheimer’s could never take away from those who loved her.

Those memories will keep me moving forward.

This ride is about far more than cycling.

It is about remembering those we have lost.

It is about reclaiming my health.

It is about proving that even after loss, something positive can grow.

Every mile I ride is for them.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

Thank you for your support.

Together, we can raise awareness, support families affected by Alzheimer’s and Motor Neurone Disease, and help create hope for a future where fewer people have to experience the heartbreak that our families have faced.

Let’s ride for hope.

July 2027 – Final Date TBC