Iona's Mindful Challenge

After raising money for Mind Charity by cycling from London to Paris in June 2011, I realised that the local groups are independent in their fundraising. Burton and District Mind covers a huge geographical area and support many individuals and families.
I have lived with a mental health illness for over 33 years now - and have been at times increasingly battered by the very medical professionals who were meant to support me.
My daughter was born in September 1990 and has continuously lived through my difficulties with me - learning to laugh, to adapt and take control. This year she is 21! In those 21 years I have not just learnt to be a mother but I have learnt to be honest and to seek out calm. I survive by constantly challenging myself, pushing myself to look forward....... so, to celebrate the 21 years my daughter has given me, I have decided to try and raise £2100.00 for the local Mind services. I will do this through sponsorship of cycling 2100 miles, quizes, sales, donations, raffles...... every penny raised is going to the charity and every penny counts.
We have had 21 years of an amazing learning curve, supported by Mind's information and our closest friends.... please help us to help others to have the same positive support.

11th August 2011
cycled 24 miles - logged on dailymile
hadn't been out on a bike for 5 weeks due to post viral fatique but inactivity and tiredness is a risk to my mental health - so I decided to try my new bike out. Very wobbley for the first 7 miles but that in itself was an achievement considering I had been in bed all week. Mastered gears and had many stops to adjust seat and bars... and enjoyed being able to get up hill though down hill was scary. The last 3 miles were exhausting and I was glad to be home.... but the first 24/2100 are done!!! Yippee!