It sounded like a mad idea: Cycling all the way from London to Malmö to attend the Eurovision Song Contest.

Unfortunately Mandy Norman has now had to abandon this ambitious project as she has injured her knee while cycling in The Netherlands. She is very sad she had to make this decision and is grateful for all the support she has received. She will now revert to flying to go to Malmö, like most other Eurovision fans.

She writes on her blog today:

Morning All! I’m afraid that I have bad news. On Monday evening I incurred a knee injury. Although not horrendous, I know that I need to rest it for up to 10 days. The last day has been very difficult, as I’ve been deciding whether to continue on land, or come home. Yesterday I had to come to Harlingen by 4 buses, relying on them being empty and the kindness of people, of which there were many. I love the Dutch! However, the truth of the matter is that getting around on public transport with a bike when you’re not riding it is not easy. Two weeks before this trip, my friend had to pull out and I had to reorganise what I had spent 4 months planning. And yesterday, whizzing past those tulip fields and looking at them through the window of the bus when I should have been smelling them as I rode by broke my heart. It’s been a difficult decision to make as I know how much support you have all given me, how eager you’ve been to hear of my progress and the money you’ve donated for me to do this ride.

I’ve therefore made the very difficult decision to come home and fly back out to Copenhagen in a weeks time. I’m so sorry to relay this news, but hope you all understand. Riding my bike with an injured knee is just not possible and could cause longer term damage. To have this happen so early on was my worse nightmare, but it has made me realise, that I will be coming back to The Netherlands to ride my bike one day. It’s beautiful! And coming to this decision has not happened without tears. I’m totally gutted!

However, here are some little facts and figures. Miles done in training: 800. Miles done on the ride:150. 🙁 Once I can get online properly, I will post my first three days, so you can see where I’ve come.

I want to thank everyone for their support and the money raised for this very important and special charity – Special Olympics GB.

As the proud media sponsor esctoday.com wants to wish Mandy a quick recovery and we are hoping that she can soon get back to cycling, one of her passions. But her health and well-being will have to come first!

Here are some photos from her journey, that unfortunately finished in The Netherlands, where Mandy was on Monday while the country was celebrating their new king, Willem-Alexander: