As I may well have mentioned the challenge is to cycle 420 km (roughly 250 miles) through Kenya, over what has been described as ‘undulating, ‘tough’ and ‘continually climbing’ terrain. Why would I put myself through such torture? . . . .

There are 800,000 orphans and vulnerable children in Western Kenya; most of these children do not have access to education, family care or emotional support and migrate to streets or move from place to place looking for work, food and shelter. They grow up too fast, losing their childhood and lack access to both formal and informal education. Girls are particularly vulnerable as they are sexually exploited at an early age.

Some of the results of the project will be: improved access to basic needs to 90% of targeted children, specifically in education, health, shelter food and protection; reduced number of children moving to streets due to impact of HIV/AIDS by 70%; improved local capacity to provide effective and efficient services to 2,000 orphans and street children; and increased dignity and self reliance of vulnerable youngsters.

So again to the task in hand….

I have never taken on a challenge like this before and so 420km in 5 days is rather daunting. Thankfully the scenery will be beautiful so hopefully this will take my mind from the pain. The ride starts in Nanyuki (4 hours from Nairobi) and finishes at the ICT project in Kakamega where hopefully I will be staying on for a further week to work as a volunteer and gain a deeper understanding of the project and its effects.

Please help me to reach my fund raising target and contribute towards giving these children the fundamental basics in life that we all to often take for granted. I aim to raise £4,000 for the ICT before November 2007 although I would obviously like to top this. I have donated £300 myself. So please dig deep and sponsor me online.

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

To find out more about ICT visit their Website: www.ict-uk.org

And so into training….

Thank you so much for all your support.

Ben.