Many of my colleagues, family, friends and other close connections have taken part in this challenge in the past and now i'm giving it a go. Frankly, i'm terrified. The challenge is to cycle from London to Download Festival. A gruelling 185km bike ride through the English countryside over 2.5 days. We will sleep in tents along the way, I think I've kept away from tents longer than I've kept away from a bike so it's a double whammy. 

Despite knowing there are hills and most probably rain, I don’t think it’s sunk in exactly what it will be like- I’m guessing sore buttocks, searing calf pain, wet socks and maybe trench foot… but deep down will be the knowledge that all the pain I could experience will be nothing compared the suffering children of all ages are going through at home in the UK and all over the world. 

And that’s why I’m woefully unprepared to do this challenge. BUT you can make it worth it by sponsoring me simply the cost of a beer that we might have shared, or the cost of a takeaway, or the price of a gig ticket you were on the list for... 

It isn’t for me, although the numbers will help keep my muscles pumping… the pennies and pounds will be helping :

• Eva, Age 3, who has cerebral palsy and finds it difficult to communicate – She has music therapy with Nordoff & Robbins and her voice soars during sessions.
• Stephen who was diagnosed with colorectal cancer aged 15. With Teenage Cancer Trusts help, he remained positive and determined to make a difference in the short time he had left.
• Fidan, Age 9 who lives in a tent with her mother and father in Turkey after the earthquake destroyed their home. Save The Children provided them with an electric oven, a kettle and blankets to get them through the coldest months.
• And the 650 children in the UK who call Childline in just one day because they don’t feel they have anyone else to talk to.  

Don’t donate for me… donate for them.
(But also donate for me... I’m really going to need it!)