This version of Steve Bush has been around for 18 months. Steve’s fitness journey followed extreme weight loss surgery that he underwent two and half years ago, losing 252 pounds in the process. Steve told us that he is literally: “Less than half the man I used to be and exercise has played a big part in that.”

“The two things I learned most of all through my transformation is the importance of support and maintaining a positive mental health. The reason I do exercise is because of the mental calmness I get from doing it is unbelievably surprising. It keeps me on a level. In regard to support, after surgery I told everyone that I had done it and it’s the best thing I ever did because I gained so much from letting people in on the journey with me, they have kept me on track and are supporting me still now.”

Having never done anything like this cycle challenge to Paris before, to get himself ready for the mammoth 188-mile ride Steve has built in his training on top of what he was already doing to maintain a positive fitness level. He spins up to four times a week and has recently purchased a road bike in preparation for his first ever fundraising challenge! “I hadn’t actually been on a road bike in at least 25 years! My wife even queried if I could ride a bike!”

Steve’s routine is not just about his training, but also about building up his endurance. Last weekend he cycled 50km on the road before cycling to the gym to complete a spin and a boxing class, and then cycled home again! No mean feat… “I want to make sure that I finish the cycle, so endurance is a vital part of my training.”

We asked Steve why he chose to take on a challenge, and his response was filled with determination and passion: “Personally, I wanted a goal and a challenge to keep me on track. Plus, I have never raised a penny myself for charity before, I’ve often donated but not taken on a challenge myself, this was my time. I chose Kids Inspire for a few reasons; because its local and I know Sue and the charity through Unique Results (Steve and Sue’s gym); but also because of how important I have found support and mental wellbeing on my own personal journey. Both of these are things that Kids Inspire deliver and this, in turn, aligns with my own personal values.”

Steve told us that: “Everybody told me about all the support they have received from doing challenge events with Kids Inspire - I am so pleased to say I have now received all that support too - as well as telling me how rewarding it is to complete a challenge… its something that helps you, but also helps someone else as well. If we can do anything to make the need that tiny bit better, then it’s got to be worthwhile, hasn’t it! It makes me feel great to tell others ‘This is what I’m doing to raise money for other people’s wellbeing and I cannot wait to cycle into Paris on the final day.”

The Kids Inspire cycle ride from London to Paris will take place next month. Watch this space to read more about what inspired our cyclists to take on this challenge!

Photo captions: 1. Steve on his spin bike 2. Steve with Dame Kelly Holmes, Chief Wellbeing Ambassador for Personal Group - Steve’s employer 3. Various versions of Steve 4. Steve with his road bike