Having finally gotten bored/frustrated/a conscience listening to friends telling me about their latest successful and heroic charitable endeavour, I decided to join Lawrence Dallaglio and a few friends on their cycle trip from Rome to Edinburgh (coinciding with the Six Nations Championship).

I am cycling the first 5 days - the coldest and hilliest leg of 662 kms through the Southern Alps (Rome to Nice). I have been told it shouldn't be a problem for a "skinny bloke" but that assumes you can actually train outside .......... Not the case unfortunately and running out of time fast as we set off on February 11th......

I'm sure you get asked all the time for donations but this is probably the first time I have asked friends for any kind of donation. Anything you are able to donate will be much appreciated as I know it will all be going to good causes - Dallaglio Foundation and Sports Relief (which in turn will donate to Cancer Research, Help For Heroes, The RPA Benevolant Fund, Leukaemia Research and DebRA).

You can find out more and follow our progress on www.dallagliocycleslam.com

Many Thanks.

Mark