I am cycling from London to Vienna in aid of the Red Cross and in memory of my brother, Frederick Ralph Ullmann who devoted over 40 years to the service of education from head of history through two headships, member of the council of the Association of School and College Leaders (ACSL), member of the General Teaching Council (GTC) through to magistrate of the Leicester bench. He died on 26 September 2010 at the age of 65.

The Red Cross has a great significance for both of us - our Austrian father, Walter Ullmann, Professor of Mediaeval History at Cambridge University, was a refugee here in 1938   fleeing from the Viennese Gestapo.

While lonely here in  exile the Red Cross brought him the welcome news that his dearly beloved mother, Leopoldine, had not been deported to the concentration camps as he had feared. This meant so much to him in his hour of need and he was for ever grateful to the Red Cross, bearer of good news.

Also interesting to note that Leopoldine, a lovely, selfless and popular woman had served as a Red Cross nurse in war torn Serbia during the first world war.

The Red Cross believes in respect for all human beings, whatever their colour, whatever their religion, whatever their politics - it  constantly and tirelessly provides effective aid both here and abroad - without judgemental discrimination.

I urge you to support their heroic efforts which are so often unsung.

I will set out from London at 12.00 p.m. on Monday April 11th and arrive in Vienna at 12.00 p.m. on Saturday April 30th: I will be travelling on a bike laden with luggage, tent and sleeping bag and weighing some 40 kilos.

I will cover some 1400 miles at a daily rate of between 70 and 80 miles (115 - 130 kms.) - not a mean feat for a 60 year old!!!

 Donating to the Red Cross through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they willll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they will 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.

So please  donate now and help people in dire difficulties, people, who are not as fortunate as yourself - thank you!