Jan Egeland UN under-secretary for humanitarian affairs has called for an international emergency relief effort in Sudan "to avoid massive death and starvation. If we don't get it , so many people will perish. It is as dramatic as that".

What can we do?

Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) is one of only a handful of aid agencies already on the ground providing assistance. These people deliver direct and immediate relief to immense suffering.

I would like to raise at least £20,000 in the coming weeks to help.

How?

Please sponsor me undertake two back-to-back road races in the French Alps at the beginning of July. Both races involve climbing a series of Tour de France peaks. I intend to give it everything. The first is "La Marmotte" 174kms - over 5000m climbing the Croix de Fer (2068m), the Telegraphe (1570m), the Galibier (2642m), the Lauteret (2057m) and finish on Alpe d'Huez (1180m). (Last year's winner was a professional rider from the Rabobank sponsored team). My aim is to go under 9hrs 15 mins. The second is the Morzine Vallee d'Aulps with over 3500m of climbing including amongst others La Joux Plane. Please give as generously as you can. Your action today translates to less death, less starvation. Why Medecins sans Frontieres? If you go to their site www.msf.org you will see chronicled true energy, true action, true contribution. MSF believes that all people have the right to medical care regardless of race, religion, creed or political affiliation. Recent examples of their intervention include Afghanistan (where 5 workers were murdered this month). They help war torn peoples of the Congo, victims of sexual violence in Rwanda, HIV in Malawi, Laos, China and the hundreds of thousands of displaced persons in Sudan. These volunteers are often the only aid agency prepared to go or remain in areas of most need. Many thanks Dan PS It goes without saying that donations in their entirety go to MSF. All personal expenses are borne personally. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Médecins Sans Frontières UK 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 sponsor me now! Many thanks for your support.