I've worked for Missing People since 2007. In that time I've seen huge changes and improvements.

We're a small but determined charity. We've had some wonderful successes and the services we provide are vital. However, we struggle every day to maintain our funding - without it we couldn't do the work we do.

So I'm going to cycle from Edinburgh (where I used to live) to London (where I live now) in just 5 days. *Eeeep*

Seriously though, 500 miles?!

Until a couple of years ago I'd not ridden a bike for over a decade. I was quite happy to drive or motorcycle, and it wasn't until wonderful Rob gave me a bike for Christmas that I even considered it. Now I'm a total convert, largely because cycling's cheaper and quicker than driving to work!

I've spent the year cycling to and from work daily. Pretty slowly. It's only about 8 miles each way, so I've got a lot of work to do if I'm to manage 500 miles in 5 days. I'll keep you up to date with my training here!

I'm bricking it.

What does Missing People do?

24 hour help

We provide a 24 hour free, confidential helpline on 116000 (and by text to 116000 or email to 116000@missingpeople.org.uk). The helpline provides advice and support to missing children and adults, and can reconnect callers to family or carers. We support families when someone is missing, and we can provide practical advice. We can also receive sightings of missing people, which we pass to the investigating police force.

Search for missing people

We create and circulate posters and appeals to our network of search partners. We organise Join The Search days for local volunteers to help circulate appeals. We share appeals on Facebook and Twitter (@missingpeople) reaching nearly 30,000 people. We can also do family tracing work, helping to reunite long lost family members.

Research, policy, campaigns and advocacy

We conduct research about missing (that's my job) and use this research evidence as the basis for policy campaigning and advocacy. Our Missing Rights campaign is a recent example - we have been campaigning for improvements in support for families when someone is missing. We have had some very exciting successes which will make a huge difference to families who have been affected.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and secure, Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by UK taxpayers. It's the most effective way to donate. So please dig deep and donate now.