Hello there. Welcome to my page - thanks for taking the time to visit.

This is a massive challenge for me, so please give generously. It will be a once in a lifetime opportunity for us both - I promise!

I have several motivations for taking on the ride, but first and foremost is to raise money for an incredibly worthwhile organisation that helps make the lives of those suffering from cancer and their friends and family just a little easier in very difficult times. Unfortunately, several close family members have been affected by cancer over the years. This ride is in memory of them and to try to make a difference (albeit small) to the lives of others that are or will be similarly affected.

In my university days I was a keen (but limited) cyclist, though this took a back seat when working life began. Now a sprightly 38 years of age, I was attracted by the idea of getting back in the saddle and throwing off the sloth of impending middle age. That was before I started training. With 1 month to go until the off and having completed just over 2,400 miles in training, I am now not so sure. Perhaps there is an easier way to have a mid-life crisis?

Last but by no means least, I want to do something to make my children proud - before they become old enough to be able to beat me in physical pursuits.

Like many of my team mates, my track record of physical achievement is highly impressive, making me ideally suited for the challenge. Feats include:

- Bronze, silver and gold arrows (cub scouts)

- Reserve for Redcar district secondary schools at 200m (having been beaten into 3rd place in the qualifiers by a boy who had just run the 800m)

- Playing in the same university basketball team as the number 1 pick in the 1998 NBA draft (though I never mention this).

Ok, so maybe there was bit of sarcasm there. As you can see, I am not cut out for this, so please give generously. Thanks.