I am proud (if a little scared) to be taking part in The Countrywide Great Tour, Britain's ultimate cycle challenge - a 64-day cycle ride taking in over 6,800km of Britain's spectacular coastline.

I will be cycling over 130km (around 80 miles) between Ipswich and Southend on Friday 7th August. I don't own a bike, I haven't cycled properly for 15 years and I am not very fit - so a few reasons why I wouldn't take part but I want to raise as much money and awareness for this very worthy cause and hope that you will support me in some way - whether it will be by making a donation or waving me along the route.