Radio LBB: FireFlies 2025

String and Tins producer, Katie Buxton rides as part of the FireFlies 2025 Tour. An eight day cycle from Aix-les-Bains to Nice, covering 1000km and 60,000ft of climbs. Raising essential funds to support Hammersmith Hospital Blood Cancer Unit.

When String and Tins co-founder Mike first mentioned the Fireflies, I was making my way to the January sales. He described it as ‘one of the hardest but best things he’d ever done.’ He had me sold with that line alone! I rang my dad pretty much immediately to ask, ‘Am I crazy for thinking I can do this?’

Since the beginning of the year, my life has revolved around three to four spin classes a week and back-to-back all weather weekend rides. Having a good and positive mindset is a massive part of the training. I’ve definitely had moments of struggle, fleeting thoughts of ‘should I just bin this off?’ But as quickly as those thoughts arrived, I have been reminded that this is for a much bigger cause. That reminder and the continued support from friends, work family, mum and of course, dad (who gave me that extra push I needed to take on this challenge in the first place) has always brought me back to a more positive frame of mind.

If there is one thing that has helped me to get through the pain… It’s been a hyped training playlist. For me, nothing will beat singing Fireball by Pitbull at 6:00am cycling to Moorgate for a 6:30am endurance spin class. Sorry to any Islington residents that have heard me over the last couple months!

Whether it’s a long climb or a tough spin session. Music has been a source of inspiration and has kept me going. If you’re training for something or just need a sonic boost. Here’s the playlist that’s been getting me through: 

And finally. If you would like to support me in my challenge, please do so via the link below. Anything you can donate would be gratefully appreciated. https://imperialcharity.enthuse.com/pf/katie-buxton​