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James Dean and I are taking part in an exciting event on 15th April 2012. We will be riding track racing bikes at Calshot Velodrome, which will certainly test our cycling skills and stamina. We have undergone training sessions prior to the event, led by British Cycling qualified coaches, to get us up to the required level of track riding competence (we hope).

Track bike racing is one of the Olympic events in which Britain expects to excel this summer, having won 7 out of the 10 gold medals available at the Beijing Olympics.

Southampton’s own cycling champion, Dani King, is supporting this event and is pictured with event organisers Laurence Dunn and Bruce Elkins at Calshot stadium. She says: “The sporting events are a great opportunity to have fun whilst providing such worthy help to the three charities that offer fantastic local care and support for children and their families in our area".

Although our ride will only be for an hour, I am not expecting it to be easy; Eddy Merckx once described his successful track Hour Record as "the hardest ride I have ever done" which, coming from a man who rode and finished a 2,000 mile Tour de France with a fractured cheek bone, gives an insight into the effort required to cycle non-stop for an hour on a track.

This event is one of a series of sporting events, forming part of the 123 Decathlon Challenge 2012, which will raise much-needed funds for the benefit of 3 special local charities; The Rainbow Centre, The Rose Road Association and Wessex Cancer Trust. Challenge Adventure Charities will collate all the money raised and distribute 100% of it to those charities.

For over twenty years, The Rainbow Centre has been transforming the lives of children with Cerebral Palsy, those who care for them and, more recently, adults with MS, Parkinson’s Disease or in recovery from strokes. Based Fareham, The Rainbow Centre works with individuals and families from across the South using a unique form of positive learning called ‘Conductive Education’, which focuses on what learners, are able to achieve to fulfil their true potential in life.

The Rose Road Association has been supporting local children and young people with profound disabilities since 1952. Based in Southampton they provide a special school, short breaks, play activities, fostering services and much more.

Set up 30 years ago, the Wessex Cancer Trust has given around £20 million to help cancer patients and their families in the Wessex region. The Wessex Cancer Trust relies totally on the generosity of the general public, corporate sector and grant giving bodies for its funding.

The smallest of donations will make a difference and remember, Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. If you fancy participating of one of the events taking place during 2012, please visit the 123 Decathlon website http://www.cwfellowes.com/123/events/.

Thank you so much for your support.

Jacqui and James