Help Tom cycle 3000 miles to Istanbul

My brother Tom needs your help.

It’s his dream to cycle across the world! And in truth… It might be the only thing that truly makes him happy. 

“My dream is to cycle to El Nido, Palawan in the Philippines. But of-course this is a massive financial undertaking! So first up on my journey across the world is Istanbul, the gateway to Asia!”

He’d like to raise money for Mind Mental Health charity to help others, like him, who struggle with mental health difficulties.

“Depression is something I have struggled to acknowledge, and talk about, myself. But if i’m being completely honest i’ve been struggling with my mental health for many years now. It’s affected my relationships, it’s affected me financially, and during lockdown it completely took a nosedive. I feel like i’ve been at rock bottom now for three or four years. Unfortunately, recently, we’ve had some terrible family news, which has given me the kick up the bum I needed. And i’ve decided to do something about it. By undergoing this challenge, I feel as though i’ve given myself a last chance to turn my life around.”

But getting Tom to Istanbul requires funding. 

Funding will be spent on campsites, essential food and supplies. All excess funds will go straight to Mind Mental Health Charity! 

A few summers ago I cycled with him from Geneva to Nice, about 350 miles. It was an extraordinary challenge, and I myself am in pretty good shape! Tom has done cycles longer than that, but none anywhere near the length of this Istanbul cycle! He also admits he’s not in the same shape he was when he undertook those cycles, so the challenge here is astronomical.

“It’s been four years since the last time I rode so much as a mile on my bike. I’m 3-4 stone heavier now than the last time I rode my bike. I’ve completely let myself go and i’m in the worst shape of my life. Physically as well as mentally.

My hope is that i’ll get fitter as I do it. But I just don’t know.

Every other cycle i’ve done, regardless of the challenge, i’ve been confident I can do it. But this is a long long way, and it’s worrying. 

I’m scared or worried that I wont make it. But even more so i’m worried that I will make it, and It wont make a difference.”

If there’s one thing I know about my big brother, it’s that he absolutely will not quit. 

Please consider donating to his cause, to help him fulfil his dream, and to help others who are struggling. 

“I don’t know if this is going to be the best or worst idea i’ve ever had… But we’ll find out one way or the other because I’m going to do it!“

Thank you for reading