I knew that I was in for a long haul when the friendly bloke in the bike shop said “Do you know you’ve got your cycling gloves on the wrong hands?”

Pretty much therefore as a cycling virgin the prospect of a four days sponsored cycle ride to Paris is filling me with a mix of trepidation and excitement. A group of 20 of us propose to complete the 300 plus miles starting 1 July.

Long haul indeed, physically and mentally I anticipate. Nowhere near as long as the difficult journeys faced by the beneficiaries of the charity the group is promoting in its ride to Paris, the MS Trust.This charity happens to be very pertinent to me – my Mother suffered for more than half of her 80 years with MS.

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

So please subscribe generously. I undertake to do my darndest to get to Paris and to keep my gloves on the right hands on the way.