Hi all. So if you've made it this far I can only presume I’ve already given you some idea of the ridiculous journey I've decided to undertake. As part of a cycling team from the University of Leeds I’ll be cycling to the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin and covering approximately 600miles over 8days (depending on my map reading skills).

Now as friends and family I’m sure you’re going to have your own reasons for wanting to sponsor me: A New Year, a new you? Feeling a little guilty from festive indulgences and want to be that little bit more charitable?

More likely, you're fed up of me harassing you for sponsorship and want some peace and quiet. In this case, thanks and rest assured it stops here! Finally, maybe you're a little sadistic and think my pain and suffering from cycling over 600m is humorous enough and worthy of a few quid on its own? (I certainly won’t be walking straight for weeks after).

Now whatever the reason which led you to sponsor this gruelling expedition I want to argue this next point, which for me is the most important factor in encouraging your donation.

Each year a different charity is selected based on its merits that inspire a group of students to raise money for, and create awareness of. This year Sense is that charity. It does amazing work aimed at helping families who struggle with having a loved one that is deafblind. They provide a whole range of support and teaching programs that really are important to people who have these impairments. If you want to learn more then take a look their website http://www.sense.org.uk/ . But be warned, it might make you think doing something as spontaneous as cycling half way across the continent is a good idea (the strange thing is I wasn’t even drunk when I signed up!).

Now the team leaders of this trip suggest that each participant attempts to raise £350. This is a modest figure and I'd prefer to see this as a minimum target. I presumably asked most of you for donations and knowing the generous, kind and extremely attractive (flattery helps in these situations) people that you are I'm sure we can blow that target out of the water. The sky's the limit folks!

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are completely safe– they’ll never sell them on or send you unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to Sense and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on each donation. So it’s the most efficient way to donate and you know that ALL your money is going to Sense.

So please dig deep and donate now.