Dear Sponsor,

On 22-27 June 2008, I will be taking part in The Race Against Time. I will be cycling 874 miles from Lands End to John O'Groats in just 6 days. It will be the toughest sporting challenge of my life, but worth it because in doing the ride I will be raising vital funds for people affected by HIV / AIDS in South Africa.

The scale of the pandemic in Africa is huge, and the rate at which it is growing is frightening. There is a clear parallel between my challenge and the race to stop the effects of HIV / AIDS in Africa:

One African dies of AIDS related illness every 15 seconds. Around a quarter of the workforce in South Africa is HIV positive. There are nearly half a million new HIV infections in South Africa every year. There are currently 2.2 million AIDS orphans in South Africa.

It really is a Race Against Time to stop the spread of HIV / AIDS.

As the number of infected people grows and illness spreads, the number of people left in its wake also increases. Secondary casualties include orphans, teenagers and elderly carers. These groups become more vulnerable to HIV / AIDS themselves, exacerbating the problem. Part of the work of eradicating HIV / AIDS therefore involves providing support, care and education for those affected in order to minimise their vulnerability to the illness.

A relatively small sum of money can be of great help to people affected by HIV / AIDS. For example it costs just £45 to support a South African volunteer carer visiting terminally ill patients in their own homes for one month, and £10 to provide a food parcel for a family.

The broadcaster, Jon Snow has been a patron of The Race Against Time since 2005. "Getting excited about some kinds of news is easy!" he says "I've been committed to supporting work in South Africa for more than two decades - and today I'm delighted to tell you about a new initiative involving my other passion: cycling. I urge you to get involved with The Race Against Time - it really is a worthwhile event."

I have promised to raise £2,000 or more for projects funded by the Bishop Simeon Trust and would be extremely grateful for any support you could offer. This is my online personal sponsorhip account. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Bishop Simeon Trust 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 dig deep and sponsor me now! Thank you.

Yours sincerely,

Alex Blake