Hi Folks, thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

So I hear you all mumbling he wants some of my hard earned cash, but why should I give and what is he going to do in return????

In essence I am planning to take part in the 2010 London to Paris Cycle ride for the Meningitis Trust (2nd - 5th July 2009).

This challenge takes place over 3 days and links two great European cities, London and Paris, covering around 310km in total. Along the way encountering undulating terrain, cycling through historic towns, sleepy villages and rolling countryside. Eventually cycling along wide Parisian boulevards to approach the finishing line at the Eiffel Tower.

For some of the more demanding amongst you who really want to see 'value' (or maximum pain for me) for your sponsorship, then I have thrown a couple of further challenges into the mix.  In advance of the bike ride I plan to run the Regency 10k in Leamington on the 11th April and the more challenging Two Castles 10K between Warwick and Kenilworth Castles on 6th June.

I have been inspired by friends (Sarah and Paul) who have worked tirelessly year after year to raise funds for the Meningitis Trust, organising various events as a means of doing so.  When I leaned that they were taking on the 2010 London to Paris cycle ride as their next endeavour I felt compelled to support them to the maximum and what better way that to participate in the event myself and hopefully support (hopefully not hinder) them throughout the three days of the challenge.

Sarah and Paul became involved after their son Angus had meningitis when he was just a few days old.  I am glad to say that he made a full recovery and has not suffered long term side effects.  He is an absolute delight and the world is better place with him here on top form, not all of those who contract meningitis are so lucky and it helps put into context the importance of the fantastic work that the Meningitis Trust do.

The Meningitis Trust is completely reliant on voluntary donations to continue its work as the UK’s longest established meningitis charity, offering support to anyone affected by the life-changing disease. The Trust currently helps around 20,000 people each year through its range of free professional support services.

Meningitis not only impacts the lives of those personally affected, but also the wider family, the individual’s friends, neighbours and colleagues.

I have been in training for a number of months and have shed a pound or two and woken up some muscles that have been comatosed for some significant time through a regime of running, spinning, cycling and gym work.  Week and after week the intensity of preparation increases.  So don't worry beer and curry are off the agenda (with the occasional exception for motivational purposes) and exercise and a good diet are firmly on the agenda.  I don't intend to let my sponsors of the charity down!

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally 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 a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

You sponsorship will help both cover the basic costs for the event and more importantly provide funds to help further the great work that the trust does.

I really do appreciate that for many times are tough at the moment, but please be assured that every penny is received with heartfelt gratitude and will be put to the very best use by the charity. So please dig deep and donate now. 

Jason