On Sunday I will be joining 28,000 others to race 94.7km around Johannesburg which is about 5,500 feet above sea level on a course that co-incidentally involves about 5,500 feet of climbs and descents.  Some of the factors you may wish to think about when considering whether, or how much, to donate are:

- Due to starting a new job and moving half way round the world I have done less than 100 miles in training rides.

- I am not acclimatised to living in a density of oxygen in which it is indecent to do any prolonged exercise.

- As a last minute entrant I have been given a late start time which means that I will be enjoying full on African sunshine for the entire race.

- I haven’t raised any money for this very worthwhile cause for at least 12 months 

- A positive response to a requests for accommodation during the 2010 World Cup is likely to be contingent upon a donation

PS: I am overwhelmed by the response so far.  I have also recieved offline pledges of over a 1,000 pounds to add to our total.  Thank you all very much, I really am very touched.