I am hoping to raise at least 2000 GBP for Get Kids Going!, a charity which gives disabled children and young people the opportunity of participating in sport as well as providing custom built equipment for everyday use.

My aim is to raise at least enough for one lightweight manual wheelchair or two and a half trikes - that's about 2000 GBP.

On 10th July 2006 I am down to ride the Etape Du Tour, a gruelling mountain stage of the Tour De France. It's 187km up three big mountains (Col D'Izoard, Col de Lautaret and Alpe D'Huez) between Gap and Alpe D'Huez.

Yes that is as tough as it sounds. I've probably babbled all sorts of statistics about it to you already but what I really need is your donations.

All money raised will be going to the charity and I'll not be asking for any sort of sub for the cost of my travel and entry, all of which will be coming out of my pocket. It's a fair whack but as I enjoy cycling I don't see any reason to ask for you or anyone else to pay for me doing this. So to be clear: your money is going to the charity, not to my holiday fund.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Get Kids Going! 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.

You can read about how my training is going here: http://www.atomicecho.com/etape/