For anyone who knows me, it must seem odd asking to be sponsored for riding a bike. But anyone who knows me a little better will be aware of how much I hate event based riding. My hatred for them is only outstripped by my total lack of success at actually managing to finish one.

So it's going to be properly miserable. By the end of 24 hours, I shall be muddy, wet, knackered and lucky to be alive, after whinging at my team mates for the whole event.  I would honestly rather do almost anything else for 24 hours than ride a bike. Although, please note my careful use of the word almost.

But forget all that whining. The reason you should donate is because CLIC-Sargent are such a brilliant and worthwhile charity. I ask you to spend some time on their website to understand how they light up the cruelly truncated lives of kids with cancer, and how they support parents who know they are going to outlive their children.

With kids of my own, it's both heartbreaking and inspirational to understand how this charity  makes such a difference to the lives of everyone who asks for their support. So deciding to ride the CLIC-24 to help raise money for CLIC-Sargent was really a simple decision.

Riding bikes for a few hours isn't very hard with this as a sense of perspective, and donating money is even easier. Anything you can give will be gratefully received.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: CLIC Sargent 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.

Oh and the picture up there? It has a working title "Middle Aged Man Surprised by Bicycle"