So, here I am at 50 and I want to feel that I have achieved something fantastic - so in a fit of madness I decided to do the Cape Argus Cycle Tour. 

I thought I would use the opportunity to support a wonderful project I visited last year whilst in South Africa. Some good friends took me to see the work that the Gumboots Project (www.gumboots.org.uk or gumboots.org.za) does in the Alexander Township in Johannesburg. I was moved and impressed in equal measures when I saw the work they do to change the life chances of some of country's poorest people. One of the founders of Gumboots, John Lightfoot does the Cape Argus Cycle Tour every March and, as I had always planned to celebrate my fiftieth in Cape Town, I thought I would join in!!

On the Sunday 14th March 2010, I along with thousands of others, will set off from Cape Town city centre and cycle around the Cape Peninsula, 110km over some varying - long and steep climbs - from the Atlantic Seaboard, over mountain passes to the Indian Ocean and back. For more details go to www.cycletour.co.za.

I am busy getting fit, going to spinning classes and cycling as much as I can - and I am assured, that on the day, I will find an energy as yet untapped........

I am doing this because I can, and because I want to raise much-needed funds for The Gumboots Foundation. Please sponsor me here, and if you want to increase my sponsorship hits, forward this to any friend you think would like to help raise money for this cause.

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.

Thank you.

Love from Jo xx