On Wednesday the 7th of April 2010 three (very) amateur cyclists will depart from London’s Big Ben in search of their destiny (in the shape of the Eiffel Tower). Rich Glover, Andrew Robinson and myself will pedal the full 235miles/378km from London to Paris in 3 days equipped with nothing more than some tight t-shirts, padded shorts, a couple of maps and of course the bike.

It will doubtlessly be a perilous trip with danger lurking around every corner. We will be dealing with bad weather, punctures and French people driving on the wrong side of the road. Indeed, we are sure to return as shadows of our former selves, but it is for charity so we will persevere.

My Chosen charity is the Williams Syndrome Foundation (http://www.williams-syndrome.org.uk/index.html), a charity that as many of you may know, is very important to my family. It is a charity run by parents for the parents, and offers moral support as well as practical help and advice to those affected and their families, sponsors holidays for WS people, as well as scientific research into all aspects of the syndrome. My own brother is afflicted, and since his diagnosis 18 years ago, our mother has dedicated herself to the WS community by sitting on the UK Board of Trustees, and subsequently becoming a founder member and Chair of the European Federation (the FEWS).

Williams Syndrome is a rare disorder. Like Down's Syndrome it is caused by an abnormality in chromosomes, and varies widely from person to person. Williams People have a unique pattern of emotional, physical and mental strengths and weaknesses. It is a non-hereditary syndrome which occurs at random and can effect brain development in varying degrees, combined with some physical effects or physical problems. These range from lack of co-ordination, muscle weakness, possible heart defects and occasional kidney damage. Hypercalcaemia - a high calcium level - is often discovered in infancy, and normal development is generally delayed.

It is now time for me to make a contribution.

This epic adventure has been thought up, organised, planned, deliberated over and re planned entirely by the three of us. With all donations going to our chosen charities from you fine people, so please give generously.

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.

Thanks in advanced for your generosity!