If you've made it this far then you're doing pretty well and it means that the last 6 months of wandering around in tight unattractive clothing, and the daily 30 mile commute through rain, snow, fog and unfriendly London drivers has not been in vain.

On the 28th June this year I will be leaving sleepy Hampton Wick for the bright lights of Paris. "Fantastic!", I hear you cry, but I will be back 3 days later, sorry. The days between will be 600km of cycling - to Portsmouth, across the Channel by ferry, from St Malo to Alencon followed by the final push to Paris. A bit like the Normandy landings.

Anyway, so whilst this gives me a couple of days off work and a chance to ride with cycling greats such as Sean Kelly and Johann Museeuw, it also gives you the chance to sponsor me and support the very worthy Shooting Star Children's Hospice. Read the text on the left and you will see why this is such a deserving cause.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Shooting Star Children's Hospice will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

Futhermore, my employers Gazprom Marketing & Trading Ltd* have put in some very generous financial (and moral) support and have also agreed to match your donations British Pound for British Pound. So not only do you get a nice warm feeling from sponsoring me but you also get to claw back some of that money you spent on gas bills last year.

Many thanks for your support

Alex

*www.gazprom-mt.com

www.londres-paris.com