I'm cycling 50 miles on Sunday 4 October to change young lives!
At a time when almost a million young people in the UK are out of work, The King's Trust is committed to helping them build the confidence and skills they need to get into work. I'm doing my small part by taking on the Palace to Palace challenge: cycling 50 miles across London to raise money for this incredible cause. The King's Trust (formerly known as The Prince’s Trust) is a youth charity providing long-term support and tailored programmes that empower young people across the UK to transform their lives.
A few weeks ago, the idea of cycling 50 miles would have had me laughing… and then immediately looking for a biscuit in the cupboard.
Fast forward to today, and somehow, I've become the person who gets excited about bike rides, plans weekends around finding new routes, and genuinely believes padded cycling shorts are one of humanity's greatest inventions.
The journey hasn't exactly been glamorous. There have been sore legs, a very sore backside, moments where I've questioned every life choice after mile 35, and an appetite that now seems capable of emptying the kitchen at 11pm. But every ride has been a little further, a little faster, and a reminder that we're capable of far more than we think.
One of the biggest surprises has been the cycling community. Whether it's a nod from another rider, a wave, a few words of encouragement, or even Strava's AI congratulating me on a ride, every bit of support has made the journey more enjoyable.
Now it's time for the big one: 50 miles Palace to Palace starting from Buckingham Palace. It's a huge challenge for someone who, not that long ago, was doing very little exercise; the most exercise I got was walking to the kettle! I'm riding to push myself, prove it's never too late to try something new, and, most importantly, raise money to help young people create brighter futures.
If you've enjoyed following my slightly chaotic cycling adventure—or you've laughed at my regular blogs about aching legs, endless snacks, and questionable decisions—I would be incredibly grateful if you could spare a few pounds to sponsor me. Every donation, no matter the size, will help The King's Trust break down barriers and give young people the opportunity to build confidence, develop new skills, and find meaningful work.
For example, a donation could help cover travel costs for a young person to attend a King's Trust programme, giving them access to valuable training, support, and work experience they might otherwise miss.
Thank you so much for your support—and please wish my legs (and my backside!) luck for the ride!
