Nate and I will be cycling across Japan - top to bottom - from early August to around November this year. For more information about the trip and for regular updates, see my website: sowhatsitallaboutthen.com

We're hoping to use the cycling trip to raise some of money for an organisation called LEPRA. LEPRA is a long-standing charity organisation that works in developing countries to help those suffering from diseases such as leprosy, malaria, HIV/AIDS and TB.

I still remember the first time I saw someone with leprosy. It was in India. She was on a cart being pushed around by a man that I assume was her husband. As they raced up to me, shaking their tins and asking for money, my first and involuntary response was to retch. Her hands and feet were like clubs and her face was a mess of scars. I dropped a couple of coins in her husband's tin and scuttled off as quickly as I could.

In places like India you are confronted by sights like this daily, but it's not something that my sheltered life in Australia had prepared me for. Each day, I would spare a few rupees for the beggars, but at the same time I knew what little difference it would make in the long run. I promised myself that when my trip was over I would make an effort and do a little something to help.

I'm hoping now that with your assistance, we can make a small but concrete difference. Sponsor me on my ride across Japan and let's see what we can do. Leprosy is now a totally curable disease. LEPRA estimates that it costs just £21 to cure someone of leprosy! That's only about 50 Australian dollars or 4,400 yen. Even a little bit would be great.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: LEPRA will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

So please sponsor me now!

Many thanks for your support.