When I received the email from Nick, asking for volunteers to join him on this challenge I almost did what I always do with his emails .. and pressed delete! However I am pleased that I didn't .... I read his story of Toby & Sam, and was moved by that fact that Sam wanted donations to this charity instead of birthday presents to try and help research for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

So, why am I, a non-cyclist attempting this challenge? Partly if I am honest to push & challenge myself ... I spin a lot, but hate actually cycling ... & the thought of cycling in the heat with 10 colleagues fills me with dread! However this is a cruel illness that has also affected our family. My cousin, Anthony, died of Duchenne MD in his early twenties and if I can help to raise some money to support research then I will do my best to complete this challenge.

So, it's less red wine, a bit of retail therapy for padded shorts & lots more spin sessions ... like the others I have paid for the trip myself & so every penny you kindly donate goes direct to the charity.

Please dig deep and help us to reach our target. Thank you.