Meet Charlotte and Olivia, the two new placement students working with Bike the UK for MS in 2024. As we come from different Universities and other ends of the country, we thought we would get to know each other and understand why we both took on this placement opportunity. After speaking to each other in an ice-breaker fashion, we decided we would like to tell you our findings.
Olivia
Words by Charlotte Austin
Olivia is a current Health and Exercise Science student at University of Bath. She is working remotely in Lancashire for this upcoming year as one of the placement students as Bike the UK for MS looks to expand.
Olivia has always had a passion for sports, playing hockey for her University and in development teams. Her sport has allowed her to travel across Europe for a tournament in the Netherlands. She also started her charity journey playing in a hockey tournament fundraiser. Hockey has given Olivia key memories in travelling and fundraising and is looking forward to ‘adding to those memories with these exciting cycling trips.’
The outdoors is also no stranger to Olivia. She has enjoyed a multitude of camping trips and walking her Springer Spaniel Dot in the Lake District over the years with her family. She sees this placement as a great way to have ‘new experiences whilst doing it for a great cause’.
Olivia is also ready to showcase the skills she has acquired from previous coaching experience and tackle the wide variation of responsibilities this placement presents. Olivia’s first trip will be on the North Coast 500. She will be one of the route leaders throughout the 8 Day journey and then continue leading the remaining routes of the year.
Charlotte
Words by Olivia Bowker
Charlotte is currently pursuing Mathematics and Sport Science at Loughborough University and will be working remotely from Suffolk for the Bike the UK for MS team as a placement student. She is ‘excited to join the team, expanding her horizons and knowledge of the charity and rides’.
Charlotte’s leadership and motivational skills shone brightly when she captained her netball team to both regional and national competitions, showcasing her strategic mindset and team spirit. Balancing academics, athletics, and responsibilities, Charlotte smoothly took over some administrative roles while leading her netball team. Her ability to manage and excel in multiple areas illustrates fantastic organizational skills.
Beyond the court, Charlotte’s passion for the outdoors and adventure began with family camping trips and hikes, often accompanied by her two Boxers, Hope and Tank. Her adventurous spirit took her to the summit of Snowdon, a challenge she conquered with determination. This year, she’s preparing to climb Snowdon again, this time in support of Macmillan, showcasing her commitment to fundraising and supporting charitable causes.
Charlotte looks forward to the exciting new experience of embarking on a BTUKFMS ride as a route leader on our first trip, NC500 and the rest of the upcoming rides this summer
We hope that allowed you to know a little bit about us and share some more with you on some of our events, calls and rides. We aim to help Bike the UK for MS fulfil this years’ potential with some hard work and passion for a great charity and relishing the opportunity to learn all that is available to us within this placement year!
