For those of you who know me, you will hopefully recognise
that I do not often ask for your donations, in fact this is the first time I
have done so since 1994 when I mistakenly signed up for a small abseiling challenge and found myself climbing  off the roof of the NatWest Tower in the city of London.
I am very aware that my life has thrown me many incredible opportunities, that I have been surrounded by family and friends on life's journey beyond my dreams, and I am immensely grateful for the success and fun have I have experienced.

However, there was a moment not so many years ago that shaped my understanding and appreciation of these gifts and tested all I care for. My eldest daughter Yasmine became ill. At 3 years old she was diagnosed with Leukaemia (ALL) on the 11th Sept 2002 with 94% of her blood showing Cancerous cells. She spent the following two and a half years receiving the best care and medical attention that we could have hoped for from the National Health and the many care givers who found us, and to whom we will always be grateful. 

In early 2004 Bianca Effemey approached Ali and I along with Jacquie Coppellotti and her family about forming a fund raising group to support some of the needs that go beyond the medical issues of the families involved in these life changing moments, and we agreed that we would start our cause with an aim of bringing 'air conditioning' to the isolation wards in the paediatric department of Kingston Hospital.
In our lounge one evening we agreed that the name Momentum would have the greatest impact (A ‘Moment’ when all seems so hard, followed by a pause ‘Um’ of reflection & uncertainty). 

12 years on Momentum has flourished and Bianca, along with a
whole team of incredible and selfless supporters have made it a charity that benefits  many and does incredible work of support for children, their families and the hospitals that deliver care.

For this reason I would like this mid-life adventure, of a man with a slightly busted arm, to prompt a small generosity from some, or perhaps all of you :-)

On November 12th this year I will be cycling from just outside Bangkok, in the Khao Yai National Park, through Cambodia and Phnom Penh, via the 'Killing Fields', to Saigon in Vietnam.  It is certainly an adventure but for those of you worried about this 'less fit than he used' to be "old guy", I am not alone and will be supported by a well prepped back up team and guide...  well that's what they have told me anyway.

With my grateful regards and thanks Dominic

Momentum supports families whose children have cancer or other life-limiting conditions, across Surrey & SW London. Working in partnership with local hospitals Kingston, Epsom and St Peter’s, the charity raises funds to improve the facilities and healing environment for children during hospital stays. It gives individually-tailored support through its family support programme, offering emotional and practical help as well as a range of therapy services including music and drama, and provides trips, treats and respite holidays for families.