At Fletchers Solicitors, we meet people every day who are facing the most difficult moments of their lives.
We see the courage it takes to rebuild after life-changing injury or illness, and we know that recovery is rarely a straight line.
That’s why we are incredibly proud to support Dr Sarah Ruggins, an athlete, academic, and world record breaking endurance cyclist whose story embodies the very heart of our Recovery. Rebuild. Thrive. campaign.
From Paralysis to Record Breaker
Sarah's recovery
Sarah’s journey began long before she ever climbed onto a bike. At 15, she was a rising star in the Olympic track and field pathway until a severe neurological disease changed everything. Overnight, she lost the ability to walk or use her hands, was moved abroad for round the clock care and spent years fighting back to health.
Many with her condition never walk again but Sarah did more than survive. She rebuilt. She returned to school, completed her studies, and went on to earn a PhD in finance. Piece by piece, she rebuilt her life, refusing to let her diagnosis define her future. Her determination reflects the resilience we see in so many of our clients.
Thriving: A World Record holder
In May 2025, Sarah achieved something extraordinary. She set out to break the John O’Groats to Land’s End and back cycling world record - a 1,720 mile challenge that's stood since 2017. She didn’t just break it; she shattered it.
She beat the previous men’s record by nearly seven hours and the women’s by more than four days, also setting the fastest 1,000‑mile time in history.
Sarah's raised over £100,000 for charity and become one of the few women to hold multiple endurance records ahead of male competitors. Her story doesn't stop there either. In June 2026, she’s pushing her limits again, attempting the fastest 6,000km end‑to‑end ride across Europe.
Rebuilding through setback
Sport remained a passion for Sarah, and she set her sights on running the length of the UK. But the long‑term effects of her illness caused devastating injuries - two broken ankles, a fractured pelvis, multiple surgeries, and a fractured femur weeks before the challenge. She realised her body wasn’t strong enough to run again, so she adapted.
With less than five months of preparation, and without owning a bike, Sarah entered the Transcontinental Race, a 4,000km unsupported ride across Europe. Attempt one ended in a crash while fighting for a podium position. Her second saw her finish near the front, earning admiration for her grit and raising almost £80,000 for charity. This ability to rebuild, to pivot, to keep going when the path changes, is the essence of recovery.
Start – Finish
Tarifa, Spain > North Cape, Norway
Distance
6,700km / 4,163 Miles
Elevation
30,000m / 98,425ft
Time to Beat
16 Days, 20 Hours, 59 Minutes
A long-term ambition
Sarah continues to train, to advocate, and to push the boundaries of what is possible raising awareness and vital funds for causes close to her heart. As she looks ahead to new challenges, we are honoured to support her and to share her message.
Her story is not just inspiring; it is a powerful reminder of what it means to thrive after adversity. We support Sarah not only because of her achievements, but because of what she represents:
- Recovery – the courage to face life-changing illness and fight for independence.
- Rebuild – the strength to adapt, to start again, and to keep moving forward.
- Thrive – the belief that life after injury can still be full of ambition, purpose, and possibility.
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