Dorset Divide

I entered this event in my usual style – impulsively and optimistically. When I saw the distance and time limit I thought I would be able to ride 100 miles per day and get some good sleeps in. I had previously chatted to my old uni housemate, Tamzin (currently absolutely smashing the Pan Celtic) about … Continue reading Dorset Divide →

My 2022 race season

Finally taking some time to reflect on my 2022 season. I started off the year with a lot of what ifs. I raced a lot in 2017 and 2018 at uni and absolutely loved it. I had to stop part way through 2018 and focus on my mental health and passing med school. In the … Continue reading My 2022 race season →

There’s never a good time to be mentally unwell…

... and lockdown certainly isn't one of them. (Please note this does not contain any medical advice. I am just talking about my own experience. If you are struggling please see your GP) You may have noticed I haven't posted in a while. Truth is I have been struggling once again with anxiety and depression. … Continue reading There’s never a good time to be mentally unwell… →

My 2020 Race Season

I had big plans for 2020 - both racing and otherwise. Unfortunately a virus had other ideas. But I managed 3 races - 2 prior to lockdown and 1 last week. March 2020 - finished finals and was very excited to start racing again 7th March 2020 - BDCA 2 up time trial. Took on … Continue reading My 2020 Race Season →

Anxiety Through The Eyes of an Athlete

Guest blog from Charlotte Broughton - an incredibly talented cyclist who I have always looked up to and an open, honest and kind human being who is passionate about mental health and supporting young female cyclists. My name is Charlotte Broughton, I’m twenty-two and I live and breathe cycling. I’m a semi professional road cyclist … Continue reading Anxiety Through The Eyes of an Athlete →

More than just a statistic.

1 in 10 medical students experience suicidal thoughts. I am 1 in 10. Matt Haig - Reasons to Stay Alive (free) The most inspiring and honest book for anyone who's struggled or anyone who wants to understand. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p08jkjbl Please consider donating to my fundraiser for national suicide helpline so they can reach more people who … Continue reading More than just a statistic. →

Covid Reflections

Written in September as I became fed up with the "new normal" and the sudden judgement and fear. I felt the safest I've ever felt during lockdown going to work every day in hospitals during the pandemic. Now I feel debilitating fear in crowded places and paranoid about judgement from others whenever I'm socialising even … Continue reading Covid Reflections →

Dedication Not Obsession

When I look back at medical school I see failure everywhere. I struggle to see achievement. This has been lifelong where I find praise harder to accept than criticism and put on dark lenses when looking back on the past. As I approach my 26th birthday I want to list my 26 biggest achievements: Regional … Continue reading Dedication Not Obsession →

Black Lives Matter

This is always a topic that I have found difficult to talk/write about. I have always felt as a white woman from a white middle class family brought up in a white middle class commuter town that it was not my place to speak about it. That somehow by speaking about it I was being … Continue reading Black Lives Matter →

Mental Health Awareness Week 2020: Reasons to Stay Alive

It's coming to the end of Mental Health Awareness Week and I've had a great week. I intended to write a blog post every day this week covering topics such as therapy, loneliness, exercise and food. But the week has flown by and (despite the country being in lockdown) I just haven't had time. I've … Continue reading Mental Health Awareness Week 2020: Reasons to Stay Alive →