A Derby woman is capturing attention across the UK as she undertakes an epic cycling challenge, raising thousands of pounds for mental health services, Shout and The Mix.
Amy, 29, an endurance cyclist and former mental health nurse, set herself the task of cycling the full men’s Tour de France route plus transfers after struggling with her own mental health. While her love of cycling began as a personal journey, with this challenge, it has become a powerful mission to raise awareness and more than £40,000 for urgent mental health support so far.
Amy said:
“Cycling helped me to get back to myself again after having a breakdown. I’m doing this challenge to raise awareness that things can get better, even when it seems all hope is lost, and to encourage people not to give up.”
Amy is riding every stage of the men’s Tour de France, plus transfers – more than 4,000 miles on her bike. The challenge is expected to take 30 days, with just one rest day.
She said:
“I’m doing everything the pros are with 3,500km added on top, because instead of getting in a car and driving between stages, I’ll be on my bike.”
Amy set herself this extraordinary challenge to, in her words, raise as much money and help as many people as possible in their moments of crisis.
All donations go to Shout and The Mix, both powered by charity Mental Health Innovations. Shout is the UK’s only free, confidential, 24/7 text support service, having helped more than 1 million people in over 3 million conversations, many of which have been life-saving. The Mix provides vital digital support for young people, including content, community, counselling and crisis support.
Victoria Hornby OBE, CEO of Mental Health Innovations, said:
“Amy’s challenge is so incredible, and we really couldn’t be more grateful that she’s chosen Shout and The Mix as her charities for this ride. The distance is extraordinary, and we’re hugely grateful for Amy sharing her story. It’s inspiring so many people to think more positively and to reach out for help and support if they need it, which is really amazing. I also wanted to say a huge thank you to everyone who’s donated – you’re helping to make a huge difference. Keep going Amy, we’re with you all the way!”
Support Amy’s fundraiser here and follow her progress on Instagram and YouTube.
