Five years ago, aged just 54, I suffered a massive haemorrhagic stroke which was almost fatal. Against the odds, I survived but the damage it caused to my body was catastrophic, and I lost all use of the left side of my body.

I am now unable to use my left arm at all, and only through a massive amount of physiotherapy and support I can use my left leg to walk for about 20 metres or so before having to take a rest. Before the stroke, I worked in a physical job in warehousing and logistics and played guitar in a rock band. The changes to my body left me unable to do any of these things and I began suffering from depression. I began volunteering with a group of friends for an animal refuge which helped a little, but during the Covid 19 lockdown this lifeline was shut down. We got a little dog, Poppy, as a companion and began taking her to Watchtree to socialise her.

I am a wheelchair user now, but after visiting Watchtree Wheelers I was able to try their adapted bikes, which opened a whole new opportunity for me. I now use an adapted trike for my hemiplegia, which allows me to exercise and gives me freedom. My friends and I now volunteer at Watchtree Nature Reserve, feeding the birds and meeting up in Watchtree's Cafe - this has provided me with a new sense of purpose and belonging and a massive improvement to my mental, not to mention physical health! I use the trike to cycle round the reserve's bird feeders several times a week.

Now I feel I would like to do my bit whilst pushing myself to a new challenge. I am going to walk the full distance around the reserve, all 2 miles! Bearing in mind I can currently only walk 20 metres or so without needing a break, this is an ambitious challenge, and it will take some time. I will be supported by my friends, the #TeamWatchtree Bird Feeders!

I am giving myself 6 weeks to do this challenge starting from the 8th June 2022, and we will rejoin the route each time from where I finished the previous day. It is my 59th birthday on 12th July 2022 and I'm determined to reach the finish line by that day! At the same time, I want to raise funds for Watchtree and Watchtree Wheelers. Watchtree has given me a new lifeline - it also helps many others, but as a registered charity, it depends on charitable donations and fundraising.

Please support me and help me get round!