Fitness instructor and solo cyclist Hilary Jackson has been pushing her physical limits for a cause close to her heart. Based in the South of England, Jackson has always been passionate about staying active and healthy and has built her career around helping others achieve the same. But with a demanding schedule of unsociable hours and split shifts, she found herself riding solo for her own biking adventures.
However, when she discovered Bike the UK for MS, everything changed. The organisation, which raises funds and awareness for multiple sclerosis (MS), provided the perfect opportunity for Jackson to combine her love of cycling with a shared impact for a greater cause.
Jackson’s passion for MS stems from her personal connection to the disease. Through her work, she met two clients, Mick and Margaret, who were living with MS. Their stories and experiences left a lasting impact on Jackson, giving the disease a face and a voice that she couldn’t ignore.
In early 2023, Jackson stumbled upon a Facebook post about the North Coast 500 ride, a cycling route in Scotland. The opportunity to return to a place she had fond memories of from a childhood holiday and to support a cause she was passionate about was too good to pass up. She signed up for the ride immediately.
Since that first ride, Jackson has completed multiple rides with Bike the UK for MS, including the Sea to Sea route. Each ride has been a bucket-list cycling experience, made even better by the thoughtful planning and support from the organisation. But more than that, Jackson has found a deeper purpose in her rides. By meeting MS groups along the way and learning more about the condition, she has been able to make her fundraising efforts more personal and direct.
As someone used to riding solo, Jackson was initially nervous about joining a group ride. But those nerves quickly faded away as she found the atmosphere to be relaxed and welcoming. And the shared experiences and camaraderie on the road have led to some unforgettable moments, like stargazing at John O’Groats after a dip in the North Sea and patiently waiting to take a celebratory selfie at the Northumberland border.
Despite the usual reputation for UK weather, Jackson has been lucky with mostly sunny rides. But that doesn’t mean it’s been easy. Climbing Hartside Summit into a headwind stands out as a real test, but Jackson knows that with proper training and determination, she can overcome any challenge.
Through her rides, Jackson has learned a lot about MS, the power of community, and the importance of showing up for a cause. She also unexpectedly fell in love with camping and the simplicity of life on the road.
While she hasn’t been able to attend as many alumni events as she would like, Jackson still feels connected to the Bike the UK for MS family. Her advice to anyone considering joining a future ride is simple: just book it, pack light, and train hard.
Jackson’s story is a reminder that you don’t have to be an expert cyclist or a seasoned adventurer to make a difference. All it takes is a bike, a cause, and a little sunshine. So why not join Bike the UK for MS and make a positive impact today?
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.