RISING FROM THE DEPTHS
Since I was small I have always been involved in sport as it has always given me the chance to prove and improve myself. Football, rugby, cricket and latterly climbing, mountaineering and skiing were all actively pursued along with my studies and helped with my development within a healthy and secure environment where I was imbued with such values as dedication, perseverance, respect and commitment. Allied to this is a positive nature and a strength of character (my parents call it stubbornness!!) that has seen me though. All these values remain with me to this day and are fundamental to how I live my life.

When you hit rock bottom I believe that there are two things that can happen – you can give up or you can see that there is only one way to go - up! It was with this in mind that I set about my recovery. Inspired by the likes of Lance Armstrong and his courageous battle against cancer, Joe Simpson and his sheer bloody mindedness and will to survive and Ellen MacArthur and her brave assault on the worlds oceans, I set myself targets that would help me to aspire to good health. Uppermost in my mind was a desire lead a normal life. A close second was my wish to return to work. Cycling to Geneva and sticking a proverbial two fingers up to my injuries was a distant but exciting third.

I am pleased to say that after everything I now lead a normal (in my mind anyway) life in Cardiff where I live happily with my partner Laura and have returned to full time work as a teacher in a fantastic school in Bridgend. I now just have to get on my bike and not stop until I reach Geneva. With good preparation, the best of intentions and a large helping of that perseverance that has stood me in such good stead, I hope to make it by mid to late August of 2006!

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