We know our Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust staff are a dedicated bunch but Libby Pannett-Smith, an Occupational Therapist at Marlborough House in Swindon has taken this to a whole new level! 

On 7 August Libby will be donning her lycras to start an incredibly 1000+ mile bike ride as she takes on the John O'Groats to Lands End challenge to raise funds for Oxford Health Charity. 

Her forthcoming two-week mission was dreamt up over lockdown as Libby explained "Part of my work involves supporting the young people to set personal goals to aid recovery. During lockdown, I thought I should practice what I preach! I read a book by a lady who cycled from John O’Groats to Lands' End and this gave me the nudge to (nervously) commit to doing this also"

Libby is raising funds for the 'Positivity Pot' fund at Oxford Health Charity and has plans for the funds to be put towards a new Sensory Room for the young people being cared for at Marlborough House.  

"I work with a dedicated and hard-working team, and we are keen to provide a sensory room to expand the therapy space available for the young people we work with, particularly those with autism and complex mental health needs. Sensory rooms are calming safe spaces and can assist with teaching coping strategies, helping with organisation and communication. They offer a range of tactile, visual, scented and interactive activities to engage with. This may include bubble tubes, bean bags, music, textured walls and therapy balls."

Good luck Libby! Catch up with Libby's adventure and show your support here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/LibbyPannett-Smithend2endcycle