linkedin twitter facebook github pinterest left right up down youtube instagram email menu close financial lifejacket food boots safety blanket schoolbag family nappies keys phone tent health External link Edit

Thighs of Steel 2020

Eva Coutts

Athens

About this campaign

The simple act of jumping on a bike has proven pretty effective so far - Thighs of Steel have raised over £300,000 since 2016 by sheer leg and will power. The money raised by the annual cycle from London to Athens goes directly to grassroots projects which support displaced people. 

Since January, 9,600 people have arrived in Greece having been forced to leave their homes. This raises the number of people living in appalling, inhumane conditions in camps on the islands to upwards of 42,000.

This year, due to Covid-19, it's uncertain whether the ride will go ahead. I was intending to cycle from Bratislava to Athens which is over 3000km and a lot of time on my bike, I'm gutted it may not happen this year but soon I can go back to my pre-Corona life which is full of choice and opportunity. This crisis has not only highlighted the vast, vast inequalities existing globally, but also within our small communities.

One of the projects which Thighs of Steel has supported since the beginning is Khora, an Athens-based, international collective. Khora originally came together in 2016 to support displaced people living in and around Athens. Today, they continue to do so through legal support, a free shop, a creative makers space, and a community cafe. I visited Khora for two weeks in December - and I’m still here. This is a testament to the community of people here and what they do. 

As most of you probably know, I’m fond of grating a carrot or two so for these few months I’ve been working in the social kitchen where meals are served with dignity and smiles and the food is absolutely bangin'. 

As everywhere, Corona has hit marginalised communities the hardest, where before we were serving around 800 meals a day, we now have requests for over 2,500. We have changed our entire operation and closed our beautiful cafe space for the time being, we now deliver food by bike, foot and car to get meals to as many people as we can. As the effects of Covid-19 impact more people the longer it goes on, the need for nutritious meals increases. 

Whilst I may not cycle from Bratislava to Athens this year, I can assure you I will cycle some miles over the coming months, and the Athenian hills are not hugely forgiving!

Huge love, strength and solidarity to you in whichever part of the world you're hunkering down in through this confusing time.

Recent donations

£20

Sheila D donated to

3 years, 9 months ago

So admire your work. Wish I could give more

£20

Ruari R donated to

3 years, 10 months ago

£15

An anonymous supporter donated to

3 years, 10 months ago

Brilliant work Eva. And I hope you are keeping well yourself.

£10

Anne R donated to

3 years, 10 months ago

Love & hugs, Eva & hope you all stu age & well. X

£10

An anonymous supporter donated to

3 years, 10 months ago