You won’t believe what I have gone and got myself into this time!

At the end of July, I will be riding in the Trois Etapes cycle challenge, which involves racing up three Alpine stages of the Tour de France on three consecutive days. The event is made up of 10 teams of six riders (one pro and five amateurs per team) and is looking to raise the colossal sum of £1 million.

The event, which will be televised on Eurosport, takes us over some of the classic and most gruelling climbs of the Tour including Alpe d’Huez (1860m) and Col de la Madeleine (1993m). Among the professionals taking place, we are privileged to have the legendary Carlos Sastre, Tour de France winner in 2008, and the record-breaking long-distance cyclist Mark Beaumont, who in 2008 broke the world record by cycling the globe in 194 days and 17 hours.

I feel honored to be riding for Friendship Works, the UK’s oldest mentoring charity. Children aged 5-16 are referred to the charity when they do not have a stable and positive adult influence in their lives. Many have experienced domestic violence or a parent with substance abuse issues, extreme financial hardship, or may be a young carer for a parent with mental or physical health issues.

Friendship Works’ adult volunteers commit to mentoring a child on a weekly basis for a minimum of two years – a substantial commitment, yet over half continue in their role for over five years. During this time, children are supported to increase their confidence, resilience and ambition with regard to their own potential. I strongly encourage you to read the moving words of the individuals who have benefitted from this outstanding charity at: www.friendshipworks.org.uk – as you’ll see, it really does work.

Friendship Works’ ambition is to expand services across London (which has the highest concentration of children growing up in poverty in the UK with 41% living below the child poverty threshold) and meet the needs of children on its growing waiting list. When you donate to Friendship Works you are playing a part in giving long-term support to children who desperately need it.

I appreciate times are hard, but have been overwhelmed by the good work this charity has done and continues to do, and would greatly appreciate any contribution you feel able to make. The task ahead of me is the most challenging I have ever undertaken but I feel confident that knowing I have your support will drive me forward to achieve my goal. 

Thank you