Wolverhampton student to cycle 315 miles from London to Paris for charity
Libby Macdonald, a 21-year-old student from Wolverhampton, is set to complete her final year at university before taking on a 315-mile cycling challenge from London to Paris in July, following in her dad’s footsteps.
In her own words, Libby tells her story: "With not cycling since I was young and with stabilisers, my journey starts now with a 18-week training plan set up. It will definitely be a test of my mental and physical abilities but I say bring it on!
"I have never felt so motivated at this point in my life and exited to have this as a goal in 2026. It's always been a mission of mine to try and raise money for a charity that is close to my heart and help others who have to overcome just daily every day activities.
"With that being said, I have decided to pick the Alzheimer's Society, as just "every three minutes someone in the UK develops dementia. This charity help in many ways such as researching in how we can improve diagnosis, giving advice and guidance to those who struggle with this every day and they influence change to help amplify the voices of individuals who have dementia, but none of this change and support can be done without the public and the donations you make, every penny you give will make a massive difference.
"I have a personal connection towards this charity as my grandpa currently has dementia and I can't imagine what he's going through every day and the effect it has on him. But the one thing I can do is help raise awareness around it and raise money so there can be more funding towards treatment and support for him to help deal with everyday life and other individuals who are currently suffering with this.
"I am also a part time carer whilst at university completing my studies and have many clients who I care for, who are very close to my heart so this is also for them, this company including the office staff and carers who help vulnerable people every day are amazing and help those especially with dementia making their life's hopefully a little bit easier every day.
"I have started it off with a donation from myself to kickstart this fundraising, and I'm going to fund this bike ride 100% myself so 100% goes to my chosen charity.
"Thank you all in advance for your messages and donations, I am very grateful for every penny that is donated towards this charity and hopefully we will be able to support those all living with Alzheimer's and overcome the psychological and emotional strains that are involved."
To support Libby, head to: justgiving.com/page/libby-macdonald?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=C
