I'm doing the London to Brighton for a few reasons, although none of them are particularly profound in and of themselves, it's all added up to make me very keen to take part.

Partly it's because it's a fantastic event and one that I've thought of doing for a number of years. Secondly, it's because the cause is a very good one and the British Heart Foundation do fantastic things which have an incredibly positive impact on many, many lives. My grandfather died while I was very young and before his time of a heart attack, so there is a personal connection as well.

I should probably add in here that I am starting my training from a position of having not ridden a bike for about 14 years, and not owning a road-worthy bike of any description. 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. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.