Going back to work: Stephen Sheasby rode 1100 miles on a journey of self-discovery that he used to raise funds and awareness of BSA. See full story. Photo: Dominic Brown

Stephen Sheasby had been planning a bike ride from Lands End to John o'Groats for some time. When he began speech therapy last year he wanted to overcome a fear - of talking about stammering.

Then he saw his chance to put an end to the fear by getting sponsorship for cycling from one end of the UK to the other.

With the help of brief therapy, he did just that. In July 2002 Stephen rode the length of Britain, 1105 miles, in 12 days, raising both his self-confidence and £1105 for BSA - one pound per mile.

"It was very satisfying to plan the end-to-end bike ride and carry it out successfully. I am glad that BSA benefited through the money I raised," he says.

"I asked friends and work colleagues to sponsor me for the BSA, thereby mentioning in one go, to everybody I knew, the dreaded word stammering.

"At first the thought was too scary, but eventually I got used to the idea and decided to take the plunge.

"I wouldn't say that it was easy to begin with, but with time it got easier and I found it a liberating experience.

"Finding a bed and breakfast at the end of the day and explaining to people about my charity bike ride was a challenge which I came to enjoy, and I got a 100% positive response from everybody I met."

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