Cycling from London to Brighton before breakfast was reasonably tough, but this year I've decided to push myself a little further, through the pain barrier, all the way from Land's End to John O'Groats. Happily, I'll be accompanied by two friends, Gareth Williams and Rolfe Markham. We aim to cycle our 1000 mile route in two weeks.

While we expect to have a lot of fun (and pain), we're also trying to raise a lot of money for charity. I've chosen to do so for Get Connected, a young person's helpline. I've volunteered there for three years and now also assist in its running.

Get Connected helps over 13,000 young people a year, through helpline, email and webchat services. It's a unique, UK-wide service, offering emotional support and information to young people, whatever the issue. Get Connected makes free connections to organisations of the young person's choice. It might be The Samaritans, Childline, Social Services, Runaway Helpline, or one of the hundreds of specialised and localised services that would otherwise remain unknown to the young person in need. www.getconnected.org.uk

The money that you donate will enable Get Connected to help more young people across the country, from Land's End to John O'Groats (seamless eh?).

So please sponsor me now!

Many thanks for your support.