Fixed gear cycling is all the rage around London, and the internet forum www.lfgss.com is a community that organises rides and races for members.

One of our favourite rides is to Oxford, and on 13th May we are looking to be up early, ride there, and run the Town and Gown charity 10k road race around the centre of the city.

Our chosen charitable cause is the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign on behalf of my cousin John and his charming son Thomas. Thomas is 9 years old and loves all kinds of sport – particularly football, cricket and tennis.

Unfortunately, he has been diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, an aggressive form of the illness which causes progressive muscle weakness. As a parent, I can only imagine the challenges Thomas, John and their family have to face on a daily basis – I hope I can bring some of that resolve as we take on the 70 miles to Oxford, and then the 10k of the Town and Gown.

We are very aware that, at this time of year, there are many conflicting demands on people’s purses, and heart strings, but if you could see your way to making a donation, a bunch of cycling friends, and the rest of the extended family, would be most grateful for your generosity.

Thank you very much in advance.

Read our feature in the Oxford Mail.

Confirmed chimney sweeps so far are:

Bernard Finerty
Tom Carding
John Bloomfield
Henry Taysom
Ian Conway
Alan McKenzie
Harriet Lamb