The last two years have shown me how many people of all ages have struggled with the Covid pandemic, poverty and now war in the Ukraine. I have known what it is like to personally deal with depression and anxiety and how fear plays such a big role in this. I have overcome being hospitalised for temporary paralysis twice and from these experiences want to help others in their struggles. We need to create more caring societies and just be kinder to one another

So, I am going to cycle from Canterbury to Rome- a distance of about 1200 miles (2000 kms) on my own. I am aiming to leave on 3rd May and arrive in Rome on 1st June. I will have to cycle an average of 50 miles each day and will be stopping at campsites, hostels and monasteries on route. You will be able to follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Strava- just look for Chris Merrien and the ride from Canterbury to Rome. I want to raise as much money as I can ideally at least £5000. However much you can spare, your donation will help tackle poverty, take action against violence and bring an end to discrimination – in the UK and across the world. I'm fundraising for Comic Relief because:

..• £5 could pay to get 20 meals to vulnerable children and families in the UK

• £10 could provide 20 reading books for children in community learning centres in Northern Uganda, where free pre-school services are very limited

• £20 could provide a supportive coffee morning for families in the UK to share advice on caring for their child’s mental health Don’t forget to tick the Gift Aid option, if you can, so Comic Relief can claim an extra 25% from the government. Thank you for donating..