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:

Listen to the playlist here

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