I had turned my back on daft sporting challenges. That was until an inadvertent and ill advised chat with my father and brother at the end of last year which put me on the way to a 150 mile coast to coast bike ride this Easter.  The trip will take me from Whitehaven to Sunderland in just under 3 days.

I am raising funds for the Akamba Aid Fund which is involved wilth building schools for children in North East Kenya. It is an independent charity that improves the quality of children's education by offering funds and expertise.

If you sponsor me all the funds raised go straight to the charity - I have paid my way to the start line.  So please be generous and sponsor me so that between myself and my 3 siblings we can raise over £4000 which is the cost of a new school.

Now for the incentives:

- for a £50 donation you get a postcard from Sunderland thanking you for your support;

- for a £100 donation I will buy you a supercool Easter gift from the North

- for a £500 donation I will wear your logo of choice on my cycling kit and mention you in all media appearances.

Donating through this site is simple and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Akamba Aid Fund will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, Alistair Darling will add an extra 28% in tax to your donation at no cost to you through the modern miracle of Gift Aid.  In a way what he takes away with one hand, you can take back from his other, which is nice.

Many thanks for your support and please be generous.  It'll make you feel better that way. And, if you give enough, you could be a hero at Easter too.

Struan