We sat down with Mimi following the successful completion of her London 2 Paris Cycle in aid of Dravet Syndrome UK which provides hope for families with life-limiting epilepsy. 

Amelie Ward also known as Mimi turned 10 this October and cycled 286 miles (460km) in 4 days from London to Paris. In doing so she set a new record for a 10 year old girl! Find out more about Mimi’s epic challenge from her training to her plans into the future. Read our interview with her below.

1) When did you start Cycling?

I have cycled since I was a little child, starting on push bikes, stabilisers, then balance, you name it I had it, but I didn’t get Into loving it until this year when my mum and I started going on longer rides together round where we live.

2) Why did you decide to cycle from London to Paris and what makes it special?

My mum and I had read an article together about a 12 year old cycling London to Paris, and I thought to myself that’s something I could do. In May we were doing our yearly challenge my Family set up (5km Everyday In May for Dravet, with kids doing 2km) unfortunately I broke my wrist playing Hockey and didn’t want to give up on the challenge so I cycled instead, and on one of my bike rides with mum I turned round and asked what she thought about me Cycling London to Paris and if she thought I could do it, and if I could do it to raise Money for families living with Dravet Syndrome. There were three things I wanted to achieve: Cycling London to Paris, raising money on my own, and setting a new record (no girl has done the 460KM four day route before). 

3) What was your favourite part of the training?

The training was hard work, but nothing I didn’t think I could do….I liked that my mum kept it varied, so we weren’t always out on the bike, we were swimming, running, hill sprint training, everything. It was fun and hard at the same time, and sometimes family and friends would join us which was always fun. When we did our longer rides (which I knew we always had to do) the part I loved was the snacks, my mum allowed me to eat all the time.

4) How did you keep going when you were tired, or wanting to stop?

I wanted to achieve the goal I had set myself, so I had that in my mind all the time which helped me to never give up, especially when we had to get up the most dreadful hills. Marcus our leader who was there for me the whole way would always be there by my side feeding me fantastics, if ever my mum or Marcus thought I was having a low moment or tiring at any point. My cousin Dominic (lives with Dravet) also sent me a video every night wishing me telling me I can do which helped me everyday. Everyone around me friends and family kept me going all the way.

5) Who Supported you most through the challenge?

I had Marcus Gamble Shields (who has a son living with Dravet) who was with us for the full four days and led me and mum all the way to Paris. He was amazing and we couldn’t have done it without him by our side (he also fed me fantastics at 8.30AM which was amazing) I had our Support Van who was driven by Papa and Grandma Vicki, they would drive behind us warning cars of what was going on up ahead which helped with road rage (which we had a lot of as was very scary at times). They also would be there at every stop we took to make sure we were fed and watered well and if we needed anything medical they were our people. I then had mum who has been there training me since May, who was by my side at every moment and was cycling up behind me for the four days (although she did moan a lot and fall twice!!)

6) What is Dravet Syndrome?

Dravet Syndrome is a very rare, life long and life limiting neurological condition that affects around one in every 15,000 people in the UK. It includes seizures, intellectual disability and a range of associated health conditions which can include autism, ADHD, difficulties with speech, mobility, eating and sleep.

7) How can People find out more about Dravet Syndrome and where can they donate?

Visit www.dravet.org.uk and Just giving Mimi London to Paris https://www.justgiving.com/page/tamara-ward-1722199149653

8) What are your plans now that you have completed your epic challenge?

I am going to rest for a bit!!! Then I am going to concentrate on my cross country running and trying to get into the Olympics!!!!! and I would also like to think of some other challenges I can do to help raise more money, now that I know I can.

9)  What advice would you give someone your age who wants to do a challenge like this?

Believe in yourself, our family moto is ‘If you believe you can achieve’ if you want to do something don’t let anything get in your way but make sure you have the support to help you get there.  Never let anyone make you believe you can’t achieve in life, because we can.

Donate to Mimi’s Official JustGiving Page to help push her past her fundraising goal for a great cause.