Following the success of last year's ride from London to St. Emilion, our merry band of middle-aged cyclists have decided to gather once more, haul our ageing bodies onto merciless racing bikes and set of in aid of charity.

This year - because we're idiots - we've decided to make it even harder by not only travelling hundreds of kilometres horizontally, but by also going up and down some mountains. We're cycling from the Mediterranean coast near Perpignan to the Atlantic coast at Biarritz, via the Pyrenees. And not just the foothills, mind. Our planned route takes in a couple of the Tour de France's most famous climbs, the Col du Tourmalet and the Col d'Aubisque (snow permitting). We start on May 3rd.

Suffice to say, as a boy born and raised on the Fens, this prospect is already giving me the sweats of terror...

We're raising money for two charities this year: Action for Children (www.actionforchildren.org.uk) and CHASE (www.chasecare.org.uk). Both are enormously worthy causes.

I realise that in such times of economic uncertainty we're all tightening purse strings but any donation, however modest, will be very gratefully received.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Action for Children and CHASE get your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor me now!