When Super-Typhoon Yolanda first made landfall, on 8th November 2013, I wanted to fly to the Philippines and help almost straight away. 8 months later I had that chance and have not looked back since. Since I came to Project Leyte I've been building transitional shelters, digging trenches, deconstructing unstable houses and mixing cement by hand to help the most affected communities. 

On November 8th millions of people were displaced, and their lives changed forever. Although there has been significant progress in the past 11 months there are still 31,000 people living in tents and inadequate housing. Personally I believe that we, together, can change that. 

As volunteers we've pledged to raise 1.1 million pesos, one peso for every house severely damaged or destroyed, by the anniversary of Super-Typhoon Yolanda. With this money we will be able to construct 9, typhoon resistant, houses and strengthen the communities in which they are built. 

In cycling we hope to raise as many pesos towards this target as possible. I've committed to riding the 300km, with fellow volunteers, to not only raise money but also to raise awareness as we cycle through the communities, from Guiuan in Eastern Samar to Ormoc in Western Leyte, document our route. The route is symbolic as the cyclists, myself included, will follow the path Super-Typhoon Yolanda took, almost one year on. 

Together we can make a difference. 

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