Hi everyone,

Thanks for visiting my homepage. My name is Monica, I'm a blind mother-of-three and I'm about to do a crazy thing... A friend and I have signed up to take part in a bicycle ride in Egypt in 2007. I will be spending five days on the back of a tandem and we will be aiming to complete a 400km course down the banks of the Nile.

"Why?" I hear you ask. My aim (besides keeping dry!) is to raise funds for the RNIB (Royal National Institute of the Blind) and the BRPS (British Retinitis Pigmentosa Society) - charities that have played an important part in my life and in the lives of thousands of blind and partially sighted people.

On a more personal level, and as most of you know, my life underwent a huge change in 2005 when my marriage broke down after ten years. Not being one to sit and feel sorry for myself for too long, and always one to get on and see things positively, I have tried to get on with my life. I now, more than anything, need a challenge into which I can throw myself whole-heartedly, one that can prove to me and to the world that, even though I am blind, I will not let it restrict my achievements.

Egypt represents that challenge; conquering my personal demons whilst also helping others like myself will give me an enormous sense of satisfaction and achievement. I am not the fittest of people so training for this tandem bike ride will be a challenge in itself!

My trip down the Nile takes place from 24th February and 4th March and I plan to raise as much money as possible to help other blind people, as well as raising awareness and general understanding of blindness.

Many people with sight problems lead full and independent lives. Some may need assistance with certain tasks and may have to adapt their daily lives, but this is only possible with a little extra help. I aim to raise at least £2,500 in sponsorship and any money I make over and above this amount will also be donated to my chosen charities. The cost of the tour is £1,355 and a deposit of £250 which I have paid myself. Therefore the first £1,105 of sponsorship raised will be taken for the tour cost. When I hit my target of £2,500 my charities will receive a donation of £1,395!

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me - RNIB will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

So please sponsor me now - no amount is too small!

Many thanks for your support.

Monica