Congratulations Kirsty: Completing the Comeback Cycle 2026
Written by Suze, Climb 2 Recovery Member
Climb 2 Recovery would like to extend a huge congratulations to one of our serving beneficiaries, Kirsty, who has successfully completed the Comeback Cycle (Instagram: @comebackcycle2026).
A mammoth 350km circumnavigation of the Cairngorms National Park on a recumbent bike in harsh Scottish weather, the challenge saw Kirsty travel anti-clockwise around the Cairngorms. Starting and ending in Blair Atholl, she journeyed up and over mountain passes, along forest trails covered in dense heather, and across the occasional river.
Photo credit: Dave Fallon
A Journey of Recovery
Kirsty, a serving RAF nurse, joined Climb 2 Recovery in 2025 on Personal Recovery Duties (PRD) following a serious biking accident.
Her complex injury prevented her from participating in competitive and recreational biking on a conventional mountain bike. However, C2R provided an opportunity to engage in adaptive sports while undergoing physical rehabilitation. It gave her the space to grow and find hope despite her injury.
This recovery challenge was centred around getting back in the saddle and covering 350km over seven days on three wheels. However, the Comeback Cycle was much more than a distance challenge. It was a test of determination, courage, and discovery. It became a powerful journey of renewal, resilience, and transformation.
As part of the challenge, Kirsty sought to raise awareness and much-needed funds for both Climb 2 Recovery and the Invictus Games Foundation, two charities that have been critical to her recovery journey.
The Power of Community
Throughout the challenge, Kirsty was supported by fellow C2R beneficiary and RAF veteran Suze, whom she met on one of our Peaks courses.
Over the course of the week, Suze provided safety support, encouragement, and much-needed cake and ice cream. The Comeback Cycle proved that C2R is about so much more than climbing and mountaineering. It is about community, building lasting friendships, and showing up for each other when times are tough.
Suze reflected on the experience:
"Over the last 8 months, I have witnessed Kirsty demonstrate true courage, coming up with an idea and throwing everything she had into making it happen. Over the Comeback Cycle week, I observed Kirsty's true drive and her physical and psychological determination. She effectively leg-pressed her way around the Cairngorms through the unrelenting weather and often against a significant headwind. I was lucky to join her for a cycle on day six with her friend Andy, who had travelled up from Sheffield. We bashed the trails around Feshiebridge for an epic and adventurous day. Her courageous spirit was evident throughout the week and she should be rightly proud of her achievements."
Photo credit: Dave Fallon
Kirsty's Reflection
Speaking after completing the challenge, Kirsty said:
"A huge thank you to C2R for helping me get moving again, for giving me the confidence to challenge myself again, and for reminding me there is still plenty that I can achieve. I still have work to do within my recovery journey, but this challenge has given me the building blocks to figure this out. Here's to finding out what the next challenge brings."
Well Done, Kirsty
From everyone at Climb 2 Recovery, congratulations and well done, Kirsty. Your determination, resilience, and courage have been an inspiration, and we are incredibly proud to have been part of your journey.
Follow and Support
Instagram: @comebackcycle2026
Sponsorship Page: https://gvwhl.com/PME8G
