Steve's story started with a terrible act of violence against him, resulting in his thumb being bitten off, followed by complicated procedures to remove his big toe and re-attach to create a new thumb. The physical pain and trauma was hard, but it was the mental strain that was tougher. The loss, despair, and subsequent recovery has been incredibly tough for Steve, but a huge part of his recovery, besides the support of his little girl, has been exercise- it is this that got him through.

Steve says: "I am taking on the challenge to ride the length of the country for a number of reasons, including to raise awareness of the importance of talking and exercise to improve mental health. As part of this I have chosen to raise funds to support the amazing work that Sport in Mind do. Not everyone knows the power of sport. I was lucky, through my youth I played many sports and my time in professional rugby as a young man instilled a belief and passion in me to be able to take part in sports and physical activity. This has been deeply embedded in my recovery.

For those who don't realise the power of movement and those who haven't had that experience, Sport in Mind create safe, supportive environments for anyone and everyone suffering with their mental health to come along and have a go. To be part of something with other people going through similar challenges"

Steve's challenge will take place this summer

Neil Harris, CEO of Sport in Mind says: "We are always delighted and incredibly humbled to see the incredible ways people choose to fundraise for us to support the vital work we do to improve the lives of people experiencing mental health problems through our sport and physical activity programmes. We will be beside Steve every step of the way, united in our goal to make more people, across the entire country, understand the positive impact that sport can have on our mental health"

To donate to Steve's challenge and support Sport in Mind, please click here

Next week is Mental Health Awareness Week, and this years theme is 'Moving more for our mental health' . With this in mind, there has never been a better time to join the conversation- you can learn more about the impact the work Sport in Mind has, and our strategy to improve the nations mental health through sport here. 

Press inquiries: [email protected]

If you or your organisation would like to sponsor Steve's challenge, please contact: [email protected]