Stability is the Foundation – January 2025
We often talk about external chaos, noise and disruption which can be a common factor to challenges that are being faced.
One thing that’s consistent in all that we do is talk around the value of stability and foundation.
Even when we’re at our lowest ebb, it’s important to find a platform from which to build.
That platform maybe simply coming to the realisation that we can’t go any lower or it may be recognition to some positives within our lives that we can be thankful for.
Everyone is different and the challenges we encounter and the feelings we hold will create their own scars.
A journey forwards can look complex and finding some simplicity in the moment can be empowering.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is a model that can inspire positive pathways, recognising that we have our basic needs covered can offer some positive acceptance, allowing us to build further with security, belonging, contentment and confidence, leading to real momentum.
No two challenges are the same and each journey will take a different path but what we can promise is stability, confidentiality and personalised support every step of the way.
If we can assist we’ll be there with you.
If our skillset and solutions sit outside of your needs, we’ll be up front, but we won’t look away, we’ll help you find that right source of support that will become your new foundation.
If you’d like to explore how we may be able to assist send over a note and we’ll be in touch within 24 hours.
#layingafoundation #stability #simplicity #inyourcornersolutions
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Support comes in many forms… January 2025
One of this weeks little visitors built an incredible lighthouse and during his visit we discussed the role of the lighthouse in keeping ships away from the rocks.
In life we all encounter rocks and finding a way to navigate them sometimes requires a little help in shining a light upon the obstacles and challenges we experience.
Rocks can represent many things: friendship challenges, accessing learning at school, relationship problems, worries and anxieties, work issues, social isolation and so on.
The analogy is relevant to us all, not just children and young people.
Offloading, rationalising and processing can be powerful and equip us with new approaches to some of things that might be having a big impact on our wellbeing.
Get in touch if a little help and support might be the enabler for you.
#personalisedsupport #thepowerwithin #navigation #inyourcornersolutions
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Back to school blues… January 2025
As schools reconvene for our local children and families, we recognise the alarm clocks going off this week will raise some unsettled feelings.
For many, getting back into the routine of school following the Christmas break will be a positive, but for others, anxieties and fears will rise.
Our afterschool clubs begin again next week and we can’t wait to take lots of new children on a journey of developing emotional awareness, confidence, self-esteem and resilience.
However, if you’d like to explore some 1-2-1 support for your child or young person, get in touch and we can discuss personalised solutions to help make the world a little easier.
Whatever challenges you’re child migh be experiencing, we’ll listen and shape a programme of support that can make a real difference.
You can contact us on 01255 441332
#schoolanxiety #pressure #feelings #inyourcornersolutions
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A Reoccurring Question: Thursday 12th September
The following includes an answer to a question I’ve been posed dozens of times over the last week, both in person and via messages.
Please take a couple of minutes to read through if you can.
The 10 days of cycling is now complete. A grand total of 1,038 km’s were covered with close to 45 hours on an uncomfortable saddle and my body is feeling the after effects of the physical and mental effort but it was all worth while.
I am so grateful for all the supportive messages, they really made a huge difference, thank you.
The reoccurring question was: Kevin, why and what are you doing?
In short, everyone knows someone that is struggling with poor mental health.
You might not know that they are struggling, but you know them as a person.
The signals aren’t obvious.
Maybe someone is avoiding your calls, declining invites to social events or maybe even showcasing a happier side than normal (masking) when in the company of others.
Poor mental health is everywhere, in children, young people and adults. But access to support is getting tougher.
Go to a GP and medication is likely to be prescribed (I’m not knocking that at all by the way), contact the helplines and you’re likely to be added to a growing waiting list.
Someone in crisis could take 16 weeks to be seen. Someone deemed not to be in crisis could be on a waiting list for around 2 years.
The system is struggling.
When challenges mount, incidents arise.
- Every ambulance call out costs an average of £282
- Every episode of self harm costs an average of £890
- Every attempt at taking one’s life costs an average of more than £8,300
- Every loss of life to suicide costs the system more than £1.5m
These are all government published costs and the drain on the system is rising each and every day.
In Tendring, male suicide is higher than anywhere else is the UK.
Clacton is the second highest coastal town in the UK with people suffering from poor mental health.
In Tendring today, more than 600 children and young people sit outside of the education system due to challenges being faced.
Something has to change.
Whilst In Your Corner Solutions can’t solve it all, for those that reach out to us we can and will provide fast, effective support with a portfolio of services that will align to the belief that prevention is better than cure.
Through work in schools, the community and at our office (soon to be announced), 1-2-1 and group support will be on hand, and better still, there will be no cost barrier for anyone.
For those that align to the skills and qualifications of the incredible team that’s coming together, support will be funded ensuring that whenever someone puts their hand up and asks for help, having to try and muster the funds to pay (which can add to their burden) won’t be an additional determinant to their personal challenges.
For those that present a need beyond our capacity and capability, we will make the necessary introductions to other providers that hold the same values as us – fast, effective support.
If you’re able to contribute £5 it really will help, £15 would cover the cost for someone to attend a group workshop, £25 would provide 1-2-1 support and £40 would pay for a fully qualified therapist to provide a 1-2-1 therapy session.
The crowdfunding link can be found on the support us page.
Maybe your company has a charitable giving strategy, maybe your organisation needs a wellbeing partner to design and deliver a training and support solution?
Requests for support either direct or in referring a loved one have already started coming through – 15 so far, and we’ve not even launched (I have spoken to all within 24 hours of receiving, both before and after rides over the last 10 days).
Official lift off is October 1st, but impact is already being achieved. Unlike my cycling, it’s off to a fast start.
The forecast is to support somewhere in the region of 600 to 800 people in year 1.
The power of community is truly taking shape and together we can and will make a difference.
#therealadventurestartsnow #mentalhealthmatters #inyourcornersolutions
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Day 10 of 10 – Heroes – Tuesday 10th September
Today wasn’t so much about the journey, for me it was about the destination.
Never meet your heroes they say…
Well with today being my final ride, I’d planned to go against the grain and go see one of mine!
In truth I have 3 heroes in my life.
My Dad is one, he’s an incredible man who always does everything for everyone else and has done so much for me, not just over the last 3 years since my health took a turn but throughout my whole life.
Another is Jamie, a great friend who was also my boss at the time of my stroke. It would have been so easy for Jamie to drop me but he didn’t, in fact, he went way above and beyond with his support, both financially and through his reassurance and kindness.
The third is one of my best pals who I went to see today.
I won’t labour James’ story but he works for the Essex Golf Union, is a great golfer in his own right and a true friend.
Just over 22 years ago I had a phone call whilst at work in London.
James was living in Spain and had an accident.
He had broken both legs, his back along with many other injuries and was in a very bad way.
I can’t be sure but from memory I think I was on a plane the next day to spend a week with him and see how I could help.
Despite his incredible pain and discomfort, James was reasonably upbeat and we had a lovely week together trying to improve his situation.
Leaving him was tough but I made a commitment I would be back in another week or two.
On my return to Spain, James was still struggling but adamant that he needed to get back to England and so somehow, by hook or by crook we made it happen.
It was a long road back to some kind of health for him but slowly and surely he was back up and about and over time he was able to play golf again.
One of my proudest moments was caddying for him in an Open Qualifier and witnessing a miracle with him playing well and getting through to Final Qualifying in Scotland.
James is an absolute legend and epitomises resilience and strength of character.
I wanted to see James today as he is always an inspiration, but there’s also a related reason.
Since I fell ill myself, my left side is still weaker than it should be and my balance isn’t great.
It’s been 3 and a half years since I played golf and whilst I’m not ready to play a round just yet, I will find away to get back on a golf course next year and I will make sure James is by my side for that first effort.
I’ve rambled so much over the last 10 days.
Apologies if I’ve bored you, but aside from the desire to make some noise for what’s coming with In Your Corner Solutions, I also wanted to push the boundaries of my own physical and mental abilities with the rides and showcase to all that we engage with over the weeks and months ahead, that anything is possible with determination, belief and embracing some help along the way.
I often encourage those I support to begin journalling, it can be a powerful way to offload and process trails of thought.
In writing my daily journals of each ride, I’ve practiced what I preach and have found it so therapeutic, reliving both good and not so good memories and finding some sense and comfort from the process.
1,000 km’s in 10 days has been a big physical and mental test but I’ve loved it and it has given me so much.
Whilst i push on with the final plans for the official launch for what’s coming, I will forever be grateful for all the support and encouragement I’ve received throughout, thank you.
This little cycling adventure is over but the real journey is about to begin.
Let’s do this xxx
#1000kms #onabike #anythingispossible #inyourcornersolutions
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Day 9 of 10 – Penultimate Ride – Monday 9th September
I’m really not sure how I can make todays journal that interesting, (yes, I’ve set myself up for a bit of stick there – you’re all allowed to question if the previous entries were interesting). 😂
Honestly, if Carlsberg did great days, well I’ve just had one.
I genuinely wasn’t feeling it first thing this morning, I was physically and mentally exhausted.
But the men’s walk and talk was just the start to the day I needed, lovely turn out, the weather stayed dry and the chat was its usual lively self.
A few weeks back, I gave the responsibility of choosing the name of the new service I’m about to launch to our Monday morning walkers and with half a dozen names and logos put to them, In Your Corner Solutions was the stand out winner from their votes.
If I’m totally honest, it was my least favourite but I trusted their judgement and it has totally grown on me over the last month or so.
A byproduct of handing the responsibility of choosing the name is that all the group are indirectly now part of the journey and it was lovely catching up with them all this morning and our couple of hours together flew by.
They did tell me to stop moaning about the weather in these journals though so I’ll not mention it was a bit windy in today’s ride. 😉
After leaving the walkers I shot home, grabbed something to eat quickly and got ready for today’s adventures on the bike.
I was accompanied for the first 7km by a lovely lady and a good friend called Lynsey. It was the perfect start to the ride with a gentle pace to warm up the legs and body and chat a little as we pedalled.
After getting Lynsey back to hers I was off to meet someone who offered to join me for the ride today having had a quick chat at a mutual friends 50th birthday party last night.
When he offered last night I asked how far he would like to do.
“I’m happy to do it all” he said.
I should’ve guessed he wasn’t your every day rider.
Within a few kilometres of starting off together some of his cycling back story began to leak out.
He’s recently completed 7 triathlons in one weekend, competes in triathlons with the Brownlee brothers (they are Olympic legends in the world of Triathlons), travels the world with his bike, he’s taken on 200km races in Portugal and taken part in races up mountains.
Alaistair is light years ahead of me on a bike, to use golfing terms (something I’m more familiar with) I’m a 36 handicapper and Alaistair is a scratch cyclist.
But I learnt so much riding with him, we didn’t stop for 80km, his style didn’t change once, he was so efficient and so smooth.
It really was a privilege to ride in the company of an international athlete and have him pull me along.
At my youth club and when speaking to children and young people about the sport they play, I always tell them to play with others better than them, it’s the best way to learn and improve.
Today I took a spoonful of my own medicine and I learnt so much.
It was such a great turn of luck and with a final distance of 104.76 km’s for the day, it simply flew by.
So, that’s day 9 done, just one more to go but it’s a big one.
It’s set to be my longest ride of the 10 days with a scheduled visit to meet one of my best pals and I can’t wait for it.
#day9of10 #internationalathlete #inyourcornersolutions
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Day 8 of 10 – thank you – Sunday 8th September
Well let’s begin this with the end of today’s ride. Torrential rain + 10km + bike = drowned rat!
Despite the downpour and dodging a thunderstorm on the way back from Tiptree, getting soaked didn’t detract from my enjoyment today.
Paying a visit to Tiptree to say thank you to someone was the number one goal for the day but I also managed to squeeze in a couple of detours to go down memory lane and stop off at Colchester Zoo to see some family that had come out to give me some encouragement.
The route to Tiptree was pretty straight forward and passing through Colchester I took the chance to grab a photo outside my Dad’s old office.
It was a little sad to see it empty and run down but it brought back lots of wonderful memories of going to work with my Dad on Saturday mornings when I was maybe 7 or 8 years old.
Making elastic band balls with boxes and boxes of elastic bands was a fun memory, as was playing on the telex machine in the computer room.
They were good times and going to work with Dad always felt like a treat however one not so nice memory was the powdered drinks that used to come out of the vending machine…. yuk!
Anyway, I had two places to get to and was time bound.
A detour to Colchester Zoo to see my Uncle, Auntie, Cousin and his daughter was a great choice and it was wonderful to catch up for 20 mins or so and have the chance for a short breather.
Then it was on to Tiptree and the Perrywood Garden Centre to meet the incredible Hannah Powell.
I owed Hannah a big thank you in person.
After my stroke in Feb 2021 my recovery was baffling the doctors and neurologists.
I had scans and lumber punctures to test for other complications but nothing was showing however rather than improving, my health was deteriorating.
The symptoms, of which there were many, included severe weight loss, hair loss, intense headaches 24/7, no appetite, loss of thought and an inability to walk.
After endless tests and consultations I was diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND).
I have to say, although the support I have been given from the medical professionals has been excellent nobody really had any guidance or help on what to expect.
I will never forget the Neurologist telling me “things might improve, they might not”.
At that moment in time I couldn’t walk and couldn’t stay awake longer than 4 hours a day tops. I didn’t really have the energy to feel too down but I know my wife and family were worried sick.
We went to see FND specialists in Addenbrookes and spoke with other specialists in London.
There was a real lack of knowledge, clarity and dare I say it, empathy.
And then we spoke with Hannah.
Hannah used to work with my wife in London. She had a busy life, working within the world of PR and Marketing.
Hannah found her health deteriorating and there were very few answers being given to her.
Some of her symptoms were similar to mine, but this was around 15 years ago and awareness and understanding of FND was even lower then.
Back in 2021 Hannah had recently published her own book, The Cactus Surgeon, which depicts her own journey back to health from her own diagnosis of FND.
It’s a wonderful read and was so helpful to both myself and my wife, but speaking with Hannah was everything.
She listened, she understood, she listened more, she understood more.
At the time, Hannah was like a guardian angel to both me and my wife.
She is an incredible lady and she will never know how grateful we are to her.
So getting to meet Hannah in person at her incredible garden centre was amazing.
An hour passed in the blink of an eye but I had 50 km’s still to cover to get home and the threat of rain was coming.
I said my goodbyes and got going again, having sat for an hour over a coffee I had stiffened up but a couple more detours and I was soon pedalling freely again.
I paid a visit to the amazing Layer Marney Tower and even went and found the road I lived in from birth until 5 years of age.
Everything about the ride was fun today, even the last 20 minutes or so in the downpour.
Just two days to go, but in my adventures of day 8, I was very lucky to pay a debt of gratitude to someone who was totally in my corner when I most needed it.
Thank you again Hannah x
#thecactussurgeon #grateful #inyourcornersolutions
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Day 7 of 10 – a day of firsts – Saturday 7th September
Well, where to start…
Today was always going to be interesting but I don’t think I could’ve imagined quite how interesting it turned out to be.
I was up against the clock with somethings to get done (I don’t think I’ve mentioned that I’m currently doing my daughter’s paper round each morning, two rounds in fact).
Saturdays are notorious for the papers being late and I needed them on time today given I had to get the ride in early.
Thankfully they weren’t too late and both rounds were done by 7.45am which gave me a slight window to get a bit of breakfast down me, get changed and get out on the bike.
I also have my Saturday afternoon youth club which I have to head to by 1pm to set up so the ride was needing to be on point today to fit everything in.
I was out of the door by 8.10am and had 50 minutes before I was set to take on my first proper group ride.
I shot down to the Naze and then turned and headed up to Thorpe to meet the riders of Tendring Cycling Club at 9am who had kindly agreed for me to join them for part of their Saturday morning ride.
For the last two years I have followed their Facebook group but had never found the courage to join them.
Today was the day to push beyond my comfort zone and give it a go.
I was met with a warm welcome, allocated to the mid pace group and we were soon off for my first ever group ride.
The pace was solid, perfect in fact and the company was fantastic, I really enjoyed being part of a small group of riders and was comfortable.
Their trip included a stop off at the Constable Cafe in Manningtree but I didn’t have time to stop and enjoy the camaraderie given I had to get back for youth club.
Not far from their stop off, the route had been shaped to take on the Brantham hill, a gruelling climb on less than perfect tarmac.
In the previous 6 days of riding I had attacked every hill (to try and get it over with asap) and given the pace had been high for the previous hour and a half I was expecting the group to push up hard.
After taking a bend into the main uphill rise the pace dropped. I was taken aback as I was expecting to have to try and cling on to some coat tails.
I considered pulling out and pushing up but didn’t want to be seen as that new person that tries to show off so I sat at the back and thought I’d just keep with the slowing pace.
But the pace dropped further and I was caught out in too strong a gear, I needed to push but I was trapped inside someone just in front but to the right of me.
If I pushed I’d go into the back of someone but if I eased down the gears I thought the bike might dislike it.
I didn’t know what to do, I was stuck and losing balance.
I tried to unclip my left foot but it wouldn’t release and as a result I went down, bang, the left knee and hand took the brunt of the fall and the bike was on top of me with both feet still clipped in.
A car was close behind and there were laughs as they passed. It was probably a very funny sight.
I was mortified but when I got up I was relieved to see the other riders had no idea what had happened which reduced my bruised ego.
There was only one thing for it, get back on and play catch up and so I did. In fact, I caught up and overtook, I was so cross with myself my legs pushed hard and when we all got to the top everyone checked in with each other and I simply gave a smile, said all was good and no one was any wiser of my first ever fall.
It was only when we set off again that I looked down at a couple of grazes on the knee and then my hand which was bleeding badly.
I managed to clean up the hand as I pedalled and around 10 minutes later we were at the stop off point.
I didn’t want anyone to question where my wounds had come from so I said some quick thank you’s and got going, I still had around 45 km’s to get done with a place I wanted to visit and I was glad to get going and reset the thoughts.
I think it was the adrenaline of the group ride that kept me going today, I didn’t feel the exhaustion of yesterday and really enjoyed taking on some new roads.
I ventured from Manningtree to the University of Essex, a destination that was always on my agenda today given my son Archie heads off to Uni next weekend for his first year of living away from home.
Sadly Arch isn’t going to the Uni of Essex (despite me trying to influence his choice), he’s off to Leeds and I’m dreading the goodbye when we leave him in his halls for the first time.
I’m so lucky, both my children are amazing, they’ve both achieved incredible exam grades this summer and we’re incredibly proud of them, but I’m still not ready for my little boy to leave home.
Like the rides, I’ll find a way to cope but I do hope Arch takes my daily calls so I know he’s getting on ok.
Anyway, I left the university to take on the last 30km which like the rest of the day passed quickly and I was pleased to be home on time to get freshened up and ready for my fantastic weekend youth club crew.
And so, it really was a day of firsts, my first time of riding in a group of cyclists and my first fall.
I loved the group ride and my first fall could’ve been much worse so I’m happy.
With youth club over it’s now time to rest up for a big ride tomorrow to see someone very special in Tiptree.
Bring it on… 3 more to go.
#getknockeddown #getbackupagain #inyourcornersolutions
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Day 6 of 10 – a Tour of Tendring – Friday 6th September
Well that was a tale of two halves.
It was tough to find the energy reserves this morning but once I hooked up with the ‘laugh a minute’ Phil Robertson (a bit of a peleton professional), the body kicked in and we were soon cruising.
I have to admit, to get the wheels turning Phil and I played a few distraction games… the A-Z of celebrities, countries and football teams etc.
It soon took my mind off the aches and the first 50km flew by.
Leaving Phil at the halfway mark for the day I was feeling pretty good but before I knew it exhaustion hit me and looking down to see there was still 40km to go was demoralising.
A melted mars bar didn’t seem to help much but there was no choice but to keep pedalling.
I tried the trick of the A-Z games but my tiredness was playing havoc with remembering what came after the letter H so I quickly gave up on that and just kept pushing.
Giving up on the ride never once crossed my mind, it really isn’t part of my vocabulary but looking back, it would’ve been easy to throw in the towel and admit defeat.
Like I say, one of my strengths (but also one of my weaknesses) is that I don’t give up and that served me well.
A couple of times this week I’ve not wanted the ride to end, today I was glad when it did, and I’m ok with that.
But I’ve a promise to keep a little later though.
There’s a fantastic young lady that I spend a little time with on Friday evenings and I’d arranged for us to have a ride during our time together tonight.
So I’ve a couple of hours to regroup, refuel and then jump back on the bike and head up to Thorpe to get a bonus 10 to 15 km’s in this evening. 🙈
A promise is a promise after all.
#day6of10 #nevergiveup #inyourcornersolutions
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Day 5 of 10 – Harwich – Thursday 5th September
That was brutal, there’s no other way of describing it, the wind was relentless and whilst I’m thankful it didn’t rain, I couldn’t imagine 100km being any tougher.
For the first 4 days of riding I’d been keeping a cheeky eye on the bike speed but today I came to the realisation that the pace didn’t matter, I just had to grit my teeth and push with all I had to keep moving forward at times.
Just getting to Harwich via Frating and Ardleigh was a test and I’d arranged to meet an amazing man in Gordon for 11am but the wind had other plans for me and i arrived 20 minutes later than expected.
But upon arrival Gordon soon lifted my spirits, although I was very envious of his electric bike!
After a quick catch up we set off for a tour of Harwich and whilst it was blustery, having someone to chat to after 60 km’s of individual battle made me stop worrying about the wind and start enjoying the day for what it was.
Harwich was definitely wind swept, we passed through the old town which is always a treat and out on to the front only to have the privilege of watching a huge container ship being assisted by 4 small tugs.
It was a sight to behold and Gordon and I marvelled at the size of the ship but noticed how reliant it was on the far smaller tugs in the strong wind.
I guess the lesson was that no matter how big and strong things are, there’s always a time when support is required.
As a man I often find it hard to accept help as I want to be seen to be able and in control.
The container ship taught me a lesson today and I for one am grateful to have so many willing supporting tugs around me.
After leaving the seafront Gordon and I ventured back towards his and said our goodbyes leaving me with around 30km’s to chalk off.
Whilst I was back at it on my own, I didn’t really give any thought to the wind.
Just an hour before it was all consuming in my thoughts, but thanks to Gordon’s company I was back enjoying the experience.
Gordon was definitely my tug when I needed the help today, thank you Sir.
So, 5 down, 5 to go.
Tomorrow sees another good friend out with me in the morning and I will get the 100 km done early before hooking up later in the day with an amazing little person and we may even get an extra ride in together.
Halfway there and learning each day 🙂
#lifelessons #accepthehelp #inyourcornersolutions
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Day 4 of 10 – Dedham – Tuesday 4th September
I’m not going to lie, I absolutely loved that today and I genuinely didn’t want the ride to end.
I definitely felt better with yesterday’s trip to Brightlingsea out of the way and knowing I would have company for most of the route was exciting.
I’ve never ridden with a proper cyclist before and I have to admit, it made it so much easier.
Hooking up with the great Phil Aiken was wonderful, the first 40km passed in the blink of an eye.
Out across the marshes, along Clacton seafront to Jaywick and round past St Osyth to Thorrington.
A right turn to Frating and then out through Ardleigh and before we knew it we were at Dedham.
It was simply delightful!
Phil took the brunt of the wind for me and when road conditions allowed, we pedalled alongside each other and chatted about our children and all things life.
A quick bit of water and chocolate and we were back on our way given I had a promise to fulfil with a young man who was joining me a bit later for 10 km’s.
We left Dedham and shot through Manningtree, Mistley, Bradfield, Wix and Beaumont adding a couple of detours to top up the distance.
Leaving Phil after approx 75 km I was back bang on 12.30pm to hook up with Kyle who was a pleasure to ride 10 km’s with.
I did laugh at one point with Kyle, he was laughing and joking and even gave a mention that “this is easy”, so I offered him the opportunity to do a bit more.
His face straightened and his response was immediate….
“No thanks!” 😂
So, I got Kyle back and ventured back out to get the last 15km’s or so in.
For the first time today I felt tired and it dawned on me how much of a difference it had been to have someone with me.
I guess there’s a lot we can all take from that. Knowing we have others alongside us is a comfort, knowing that someone is in our corner when we need them lightens the load, it certainly did for me.
Big thanks to Phil and Kyle for being my support team today, you were both in my corner when I needed you.
So, day 4 all done, tomorrow sees me head over to Harwich to meet up with another amazing man who is going to join me out on the road for 10km’s or so and I can’t wait for it.
Bring it on.
#day4done #itsgoodtotalk #thepowerofcompany
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Day 3 of 10, Mistley, Brightlingsea and More – Tuesday 3rd September
When I woke up this morning I wondered how on earth I hadn’t heard the bus that had obviously hit me given the aches I had.
Thankfully an early start meant that I didn’t have time to feel sorry for myself and with a commitment to meet Logan at 12.30pm for the final leg, I had to be on the road by 9am.
The first 20km out to Mistley was tough going, I was counting off the kilometres one by one but soon realised it was going to be a long day if I kept this mindset.
Luckily I’d arranged a stop at Atlas Autos in Mistley to see a close friend, Phil.
He and Kirk took my mind off things and it was great to have a chat about all and sundry.
After a bottle of cold water it was time to get back on the road and head through Manningtree, Lawford and out to Gt Bentley.
The next destination was Brightlingsea, I was a bit anxious approaching the town and sea front for very personal reasons.
Once I got to the quay, I put the bike down and sat and looked out.
3 and a half years ago, whilst sat at the laptop in the middle of the night the world went black on me. All I knew was I had to get some air as I couldn’t breathe.
It was late Feb, freezing cold, 1am but I just left the house and walked.
I don’t remember anything of the walk at all but I do remember coming to when I could walk no further, for no other reason than I had come to a dead end. I was in Brightlingsea.
I had no idea of the time (it would’ve been late morning), but something literally popped in the back of my head and I felt a huge wave of relief wash over me.
I had no idea how I had got there or what I was doing but I knew I had to get home, so I turned and walked back.
My family were obviously beside themselves, I had no phone, no money, no water.
I was found around 7pm still making my way back (some 18 hours after leaving home) in a bit of a trance but adamant that I was walking home.
Approx 10 days later, after a stay in the stroke ward at Colchester Hospital, I was told I had been very lucky, probably the exposure to the air had kept my oxygen and blood flowing and the outcome could’ve been a lot worse.
It took me almost 2 years to be able to walk unaided, staying awake was a huge effort.
And so there I was earlier today, sat in Brightlingsea looking out at the water and coming to the conclusion that no matter what happens, the remaining 750 km of the 1,000 km will be completed and that I am actually stronger than I ever thought possible.
I’ve no shame in admitting that I cried when I sat there today!
Once I’d regrouped, I had to push back to Frinton to meet young Logan who turned 13 a couple of days ago.
Logan originally agreed to do 10km with me but I was only at 75km for the day and he willingly said he would see me through the last 25km and that he did.
He was a legend, although he was a tad disappointed that we couldn’t stop for an ice-cream at Clacton Pier.
I will make it up to you little man and thank you for helping me today dude.
So, day 3 is done. Time to get to the Tuesday night youth club and then get ready for Day 4 which brings a visit to Dedham.
Every journey has a story, I do hope I’ve not bored you with mine x
#grateful #day3of10 #inyourcornersolutions
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Day 2 of 10 – Mersea Island – Monday 2nd September
Having had the benefit of some wonderful company on this mornings walk and talk, today’s adventure was Mersea Island which was simply joyous.
A total of 103.04 km was covered and despite a few gritted teeth moments on some hills on the way back, I spent most of the ride questioning if I should be enjoying it as much as I am.
To kick off the ride I was joined for a 10km loop by young ‘Turbo Tim’.
I’m not sure Tim is aware of his nickname, it’s basically how Ian and Rob of Smith’s Newsagents refer to him but in truth, he is anything but turbo powered on his paper round. 😂
However, Tim got me started at a nice steady pace and after leaving him, it was next stop Mersea.
Once on the island I went East to Cudmore Grove Country Park which is stunning!
After a bit of chocolate and water I was back in the saddle and had the pleasure of riding with a local lady (Janet I think), who was on route home from work and we had a lovely chat for a few kilometres whilst we pedalled.
I left her for a quick detour to Waldegraves Holiday Park to reminisce on my epic 40th birthday weekend some 11 years ago. Lots of amazing memories came flooding back.
Then back on the bike and a quick push round to West Mersea to smell the fresh fish being served up at The Victory, The Coast Inn and Haywards Oysters.
I was so tempted to stop for a quick fish and chips but knew that wouldn’t help me cover the last 40km.
Homeward bound the miles soon passed and on arriving home I was actually a tad disappointed that the days ride was over.
Luckily I get to do it all again tomorrow…
Mistley, Manningtree, Gt Bentley and Brightlingsea are all on the hit list tomorrow and I also have the pleasure of being joined for 10km by a superstar who has just celebrated his 13th birthday.
Bring on Day 3 xxx
#day2 #merseaisland #inyourcornersolutions
Day 1 of 10 – Portman Road – Sunday 1st September
Setting out just after 9am the first 10km raised all the self doubt on the scale of the challenge ahead.
Once into a steady rhythm the thoughts became more positive and time passed quickly.
I was soon at Portman Road with 40km on the bikes monitor.
I met some lovely people around the ground but there was one family that will stay with me forever!
After taking a picture for them, they kindly took one for me and we engaged in some chat around what I was up to.
The Mum then bravely shared they were visiting Portman Road as it was a year to the day that their 16 year old son took his life. He was a big Ipswich fan.
His parents believe his actions were a consequence of some disappointing GCSE results to him.
His parents had no idea the turmoil he was going through. We all cried and shared a hug, it was a surreal and humbling moment.
I’m pleased to report that Mum, Dad and their younger son and daughter are all doing ok and are receiving support which they have found strength from.
After leaving Portman Road the next 20 minutes or so were a bit of a blur.
To brighten my mood I took a detour to Jimmys Farm to grab a drink and got to witness lots of families excited for their day ahead.
After a quick photo, it was back on the bike for the remaining milage.
Upon arriving at Weeley it was clear that if I were to head home my distance would be short so I turned right for Clacton and pushed on.
With 15km to go I turned left at Jaywick Lane to make my way back past Clacton Golf Club and the seafront only to realise it was now all into wind – very poor judgement!
Anyway, through gritted teeth the last leg of the journey got completed and I was relieved to arrive home with the 100km goal just about achieved.
I’m sure there will be aches in the morning but the Monday Men’s Walk and Talk should loosen up the legs and then it will be off to Mersea Island in the afternoon.
A big thanks for all the support so far.
#1down9togo #portmanroad #inyourcornersolutions
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Friday 30th August – Believe
It’s a word I use with young people all the time.
It’s easy to say, not so easy to do when those moments of self doubt creep in.
It’s time to take a dose of my own medicine.
I can. I will. Just believe.
Anything is possible with focus, commitment and a tweak of the mindset to accept help and support along the way.
Believe.
2 more sleeps until the small matter of 1,000km’s on a bike begins. 🚴🚴🚴
Believe.
#can #will #believe
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Wednesday 28th August – Final Training Ride
This afternoon gave me an opportunity to get out on the bike for a final training ride before the big challenge begins on Sunday.
I was treated to gorgeous weather (maybe a little too warm in fact) but a decent turn of the wheels with 32.67km covered in 1 hour 18 minutes.
All felt good but then there is the realisation that there’s another 67km to add on top of that, each and every day!
It’s going to be a monumental challenge but where there’s a will and all that.
#keeponriding #finaltrainingride #inyourcornersolutions
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Monday 26th August 2024 – Coming Soon
Lots of exciting news coming very soon but in the meantime the hard work behind the scenes is in motion, laying the foundations for the journey ahead.
The mission is simple, to provide personalised support and give help to those in need, focused on changing lives.
Everyone needs someone in their corner when challenges present themselves, we will be that someone to provide personalised solutions and guidance. We really will be in your corner!
Looking forward to sharing more in the days and weeks ahead.
#inyourcornersolutions
#fundedsupport
#fasteffectiveinterventions
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In Your Corner Solutions 