I think charities resonate most when you have first hand experience of the difference that they make to the lives of people. The Prince's Trust has been Avanade's primary charity for many years and I have been aware of the fantastic work that they do for some time. This year we hosted a number of young people on work experience and spending time with them really demonstrated the life chances denied to some young people here in the UK. One of them had  never owned a suit, never used a PC, hadn't stood up in front of a group, couldn't use Word, Excel etc. These things that make getting your first job really difficult.

The Prince's Trust gives these youngsters a chance. They get them work placements in great companies, coach them, train them etc.

Most of you know I am a keen, if talentless, cyclist and you may be thinking this is not much of a challenge. Well to add some spice you may not be aware that I ruptured a disc in my back in April and had some surgery in August. UI have not yet been back on my bike although my surgeon said it was fine this morning...so it's a real challenge for a worthwhile cause.

I hope you can dig deep.

Thanks

Paul