Norwood is one of the UK's leading family services organisations, supporting the most vulnerable in our society, helping over 7,000 thousand children, adults and families of all ages, to cope with physical and learning disabilities and social disadvantages. The charity was founded in 1785 and is still vibrant today.

I have seen at first hand the wonderful work of Norwood, as it has been a lifeline to my sister and brother in law, in the care and support provided over the last 23 years to my niece Stephanie. Stephanie has Cerebral Palsy causing her to be severely disabled and a permanent wheelchair user, and she is heavily dependant on Norwood for her daily needs.

To help Norwood raise a much needed £10 million each year, I'm stretching myself to the limit by taking part in a 5 day sponsored Bike Ride starting on Monday 16 October. The ride begins in Israel on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, followed by a 3 day trek in Jordan, where we will riding along the shores of the Dead Sea, before taking the climb up to the magnificent Kerak Crusader castle and on to the ancient UNESCO World Heritage site of Petra. Our final long stage takes us to Eilat at the tip of the Red Sea. In total, I will have covered a journey of around 250 miles, mainly off road, over hills and through rugged terrain. Another huge challenge for my little legs and dodgy left knee, but nothing compared to the huge challenges faced daily by Norwood.

I'm bearing all of the costs of the trip myself so that all the money I
raise will go directly to Norwood with no overheads being deducted, including my super padded Lycra shorts (a sight not for the faint hearted), several boxes of 'Deep Heat' cream and a never ending supply of energy bars to keep me going.

I do hope you will sponsor me for this very worthy cause. By sponsoring me you are contributing to the happiness of children and adults who rely on Norwood to give them a real chance in life. I know we are all asked to donate to so many good causes on a regular basis, but I'd be grateful if you could kindly dig deep to support this wonderful charity by clicking on the link  www.justgiving.com/Alain-Stechler3. Alternatively, if you prefer to send a cheque, please make it payable to 'Norwood' and I also attach a gift aid form to enhance the donation if you are a UK tax payer.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Alain