Mel lives a life of adventure and is inspiring others to believe that anything is possible. Mel was a fit and healthy young woman, who loved to get outside, go running and ride bikes, while caring for her horses. After a series of life changing strokes Mel’s life was turned upside down, she was unable to walk and after her third stroke in 2008, struggled to use much of the left side of her body. Fast forward four years after watching the Beijing Paralympics from her hospital bed, Mel was racing in front of 80,000 people at the London 2012 Paralympics. At this point, Mel had only been involved in the sport for 15 months. Mel went on to represent Team GB for the next 4 years, where she achieving track world records, European and World major medal success. At the end of 2016 Mel made the move from track racing, to endurance and road racing. She has found her new passion, hand cycling. Mel has gone on to break the 2 hour time barrier in the London Marathon, and has recently smashed both the men and women’s  LEJOG World record - hand cycling 874 miles in 6 days, 22 hours and 18 mins!  Show notes What life was like growing up  Her love for horses and being outside Wanting to be a vet and marry a farmer Leaving school at 16 Having her first stroke in 2002 Trying to figure out what caused it Dealing with the uncertainty  Having her 3rd stroke  Not being able to walk any more and having to spend a lot of time in the stoke unit Watching the Paralympics  Getting back into sports and fitness and why it was so important Trying wheel chair racing for the first time and getting a coach Her dream of being selected for the Great British Team for the London 2012 Olympics Now what?! Dealing with a crisis of confidence Why she prefers the longer distances to sprints What is was like racing at the 2012 London Olympic games Racing in the London Marathon and why she loves it - Plus getting a PB Having to wait for heart surgery  Upper body strength and training in the gym How Handcycle Britain - LEGOG - World Record Attempt came about How hand cycling has become her career Her mental performance mindset and using that during the challenge Smashing the record -  6 days, 22 hours and 18 mins!! What a typical day was like and planning to cycle for 10 hours a day Dealing with the challenging race conditions Starting to think about her next challenge! Getting off road on her bike The cost of handbikes  Quick Fire Questions Social Media Website - www.melnicholls.co.uk  Instagram @teamdolly   Twitter @Dolly2racer  Facebook  - @melnicholls.co.uk