Something we often take for granted is the gift of choice.

The choice of what to eat. What to study. Where to live. What future we want to build for ourselves.

But for many children, those choices simply don’t exist.

In February 2027, I’ll be taking part in a 500km bike ride across Thailand over 5 days to raise funds for Hands Across the Water—a charity that is incredibly close to my heart. And honestly? It’s going to be a huge challenge for me 😅 Considering I haven’t properly ridden a bike in over 15 years, cycling through the heat and humidity of Thailand feels slightly terrifying. But knowing the reason behind it makes every kilometre worth it.

Hands Across the Water started in response to the Boxing Day Tsunami and now supports more than 350 children across 7 homes and projects throughout Thailand.

The children who come into a Hands home are there because they have no choice. This is often due to one of three heartbreaking situations:

• They have no known family to care for them
• They have family who are unable to care for them
• They have been removed from unsafe environments and placed into care by police or government authorities

Beyond providing life-saving necessities such as food, shelter, education, and care, Hands also supports families through outreach programs designed to help keep children safely with their families wherever possible.

What really resonated with me is the vision behind Hands—helping these children see the opportunities that lie ahead of them and giving them a future shaped by choice, not chance.

Children should be able to simply be children. To play, dream, learn, and grow up believing they can build a future full of possibilities.

That’s why I’m doing this.

I’m aiming to raise $5,000 to help support these children and provide them with the care, opportunities, and future they deserve. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a genuine difference.

My hope is that you’ll choose to join me on this journey and support this incredible cause.

Together, we really can make a difference 💛