On Sunday 10 July I took on a major cycling challenge to raise funds for Save the Children's Japanese Tsunami Relief Appeal, by taking part in the Maratona dles Dolomites.  Thanks to all those who have sponsored and supported me during this epic ride - both online and offline - and if you haven't already done so, its not too late! 

It was an amazing experience and I was able to complete the ride in 7 hours 1 minute, averaging 19.65km k h, which placed me within the top 25% overall at no' 1820 in a field of almost 9000 riders, and no' 414 within my age category.  The Maratona is truly an iconic ride - 138km, through 9 mountain passes (5 of which are in excess of 2000m) with more than 4190km of climbing to contend with.  The ride was challenging and the scenery, the experience -  outstanding.

The Maratona seemed a fitting vehicle to help raise money for the people of Japan who have faced and continue to face such immense challenges in the aftermath of the truly devastating earthquakes and tsunami. 

Like many of us, I watched aghast at the images streaming out of Japan after the earthquake & tsunami. The scale of the disaster is overwhelming - estimates of 28,000+ people dead with many more lost and missing.  Countless children face life as orphans, homeless. And though the situation in Japan may no longer be headline news, the need for support remains just as compelling.   I felt I just had to do something to raise funds. 

Being a father myself, I chose to support 'Save the Children' who quickly launched a 'Japan Emergency Appeal' and have a team responding in the hardest hit areas to help the children better deal with the deep loss and trauma. The setting up safe areas for children to play in will hopefully give them some respite and sense of normality. 

The scale of the disaster is immense and the personal stories are tragic.  With your generous contributions, I hope we can help to show our support and make a difference.   Here's a bit of footage which really gives some idea of the power and devastation wreaked by the tsunami http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uJN3Z1ryck

THANKS for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page and for your donation!!!!!  Thanks also to all those who donated offline via collecting boxes and sponsorship forms, including friends, neighbours, parishioners of St John The Baptist Church, the team at Hounslow Youth Counselling Service, customers of St John's Superstore, customers of Delicacies and many, many more!  Much appreciated!

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate.