Got 30 seconds?:

In June 2015, I will cycle from my home in Lugano, Switzerland, to the home of my parents and where I grew up: Porlock, in the South West of the UK. I'll be covering a distance of approximately 1,600km in eight days, and hope to arrive just before my Mum's birthday. She's got Parkinson's. Please give what you can towards this cause and fantastic charity in exchange for eight days of my suffering. 

Got 2 minutes?:

A little over two years ago, I was given the opportunity to move to Switzerland. Just a couple of months before, my Mum was diagnosed with Parkinson's: a progressive neurological condition, that is generally a bit of a bastard.

Working for a brand I had admired since I was a kid and to live amongst the mountains was a dream, but still, it took the persuasion and support of my family for me to accept the role and make the move. It was an extremely tough decision to take, but ever since I can remember, my parents have been more supportive than I could have ever asked. From driving me to the beach and sitting in a freezing cold car for hours while I bobbed about in the ocean some twenty years ago, to putting up with me being a totally hyperactive little brat, and generally allowing me to grow with confidence and the freedom to pursue my own direction in life. For that - and much more - I will be eternally grateful.

It'll be Mum's birthday on June 18^th, although she'll be celebrating some 1,600km away from where I now live. So I'm going to cycle there. The planned route will take me through half a dozen or so countries and see me cover 200km a day, every day, for eight days. If my bum falls off or it turns out to be mad-windy, it might add a day or so, but that's the plan. 

I've no idea where I'll be staying en route: possibly in bushes and bus shelters, but hopefully – with your help – I'll be able to crowd-source some accommodation. Some company would also be more than welcome, so please feel free to join me for any (or all!) sections of the ride. If you make it to my destination, you might even get some cake.

If that wasn't asking enough, I want your money. I'm fundraising for Parkinsons.org, with a target of £4,000: depending on how frequently I get lost, that's approximately £2.50 per kilometre. Bargain. Please give what you can, but of course, every little helps. 

You can keep up with my training and the ride itself by following the hashtag #L2P4P (Lugano to Porlock, for Parkinson's).

Thank you.

Big love,

Oli