I'm cycling 170 miles over a week, from Colchester Makerspace to Spode Works Centre in Stoke Town, home of the British Ceramic Biennial.

My ride will raise funds for a new kiln at Colchester Makerspace. My target was at least £1,000, but now £2,500 with a stretch goal added! All towards a wider campaign target of £10,000.

Colchester Makerspace is a not-for-profit, artist-led creative workspace. I co-founded it as a volunteer with Peter Jones and a small team of Associate Artists.

We provide affordable access to a ceramics and printmaking space, classes and equipment, including pottery wheels, kilns, silkscreens and a risograph - empowering makers of all levels. Our current kiln, however, is nearing the end of its lifespan - see our full campaign here.

The journey will utilise canal towpaths as much as possible, encompassing a variety of waterways: a route through London to reach the Regent's Canal, connecting to the Grand Union Canal and including sections of the Birmingham Canal Main Line and Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal before reaching the Trent & Mersey Canal. The final waterway leading to Stoke-on-Trent, a city with a rich history in ceramic production.

By supporting this ride, you'll help us empower local artists, promote sustainability through eco-friendly technology and inspire creativity within the Colchester community.

Here’s where we are:

— £3,000 has been generously pledged by the Hervey Benham Charitable Trust.

— I am now hoping £2,500 will be raised by this cycle ride.

— This leaves us with a goal of £6,000 to raise from our community — we are almost half way already! https://gofund.me/d5f1312a

Your support, no matter the size, helps us empower local artists, promote sustainable practices, and keep the spirit of making alive in Colchester.