On 22nd June 2008 I will begin a 6 day bicycle ride from Lands End to John O'Groats, covering nearly 900 miles - that's an average of 150 miles a day. In the 6 months leading up to the ride I'll be putting in some serious preparation to make sure that I can go the distance.

All of this is to raise money for the Bishop Simeon Trust, a charity that is battling against AIDS in South Africa. The scale of the problem is immense:

- Around a quarter of the workforce in South Africa is HIV positive.
- There are nearly half a million new HIV infections in South Africa every year.
- There are currently 2.2 million AIDS orphans in South Africa.
- AIDS is expected to kill 50% of people between the ages of 15 - 30 in the next 5 years if the epidemic isn't brought under control.

My employer will match anything I raise up to a maximum of £2,500, so please dig deep and sponsor me to help make as big a difference as possible!

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Bishop Simeon Trust 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.

Many thanks for your support.

Sam.

*Update* - I, and 11 fellow riders, rode over the finish line at John o'Groats at 8pm on Friday 27th June, 6 days and 876miles after we set off from Lands End. It was a great team effort and, as the cost of the ride was fully covered by corporate sponsorship, every penny raised by all of the riders will go straight to the charity.

Thanks,
Sam.