The Children's Society events team has finally managed to get me off my bike and signed up to do one of their overseas challenges and I now find myself training for our Arctic Challenge. Together with 6 MPs we will travel 600km by husky dog sled through Sweden, Finland and Norway and across the Arctic Circle. To add to the adventure, the team also have to build igloos to sleep in, snow holes to sleep in and fish for our own food. I guess part of the challenge will be finding ways to get all three political parties working together!

It would encourage me to know that my foray into the world of party politics was also raising much needed funds to help children supported by the Children's Society who need the sort of start in life that Fleur and I are trying to give Alice and Ollie and that many of us take for granted.  As you can see, they've also set me a challenging fundraising target!  By donating on this page, you will not only be helping children have a decent start in life, you will also be encouraging politicians to work together for the good of those who need it most.  And that doesn't happen often!

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure and if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

Many thanks in advance for your support.

Martin