The big MBU cycle

Hi, I’m Charlotte. In 2022, I experienced a psychosis - a severe form of mental illness. My symptoms included extreme confusion, paranoia, delusions and hallucinations.
It was terrifying, disorienting, and life-changing.

I spent six long weeks in hospital apart from my 2 year-old daughter and husband, including over Christmas — a time that should have been filled with warmth and family.
Visiting times were short, often in a tiny, cupboard‑like room with no toys, no space for her to toddle about and explore with me. All she wanted was her mummy to play with. All I wanted was to do the everyday things a mummy does: make her food, tuck her in at night, hold her when she cried, and be there in the simple moments that matter most.

Following discharge from hospital I fell into a deep depression, lasting months.

My world lost all its colour.

But with the support of my family, friends, colleagues, the perinatal mental health team, and the incredible charity Action on Postpartum Psychosis — I found my way back and the world became colourful again.

Now, I’m taking on a huge challenge that’s close to my heart.
I’ll be cycling between the 20 Mother and Baby Units across England, stopping at each one for a cuppa. Mother and baby units are spaces where mums can stay with their babies while receiving mental health care.

It'll be a pretty epic challenge - 5 stages over Spring and summer 2026. Totalling approximately 1400km of cycling, 20 cuppas, and a whole lot of connection.

This isn’t just about cycling. It’s about connection. About showing that recovery is possible. About highlighting how healing accelerates when mums and babies are supported in compassionate environments.

I want to raise awareness, and I want to remove the feeling of shame that so many psychosis survivors feel.

By telling my story and cycling across England, I will raise funds for action on post partum psychosis - APP, the charity that helps me, and continues to help so many others rediscover hope.

Because this is a story of hope. A story of rebuilding. A story of the strength and support it takes to keep going — even when your world has fallen apart.
 
If you’ve ever felt alone in your mental health experience, this journey is for you.

If you’d like to join me, support the ride, or just follow along — I’d love to have you with me.

Let’s connect and cycle for every mum still finding her way back.