[For live tweets from the event on 22/23 August, please follow @JamesLawBlacks]

On 22 August 2015 I will be setting off on a bicycle from Newcastle.  I will be bound for London (300 miles away), which is where I need to arrive within 24 hours.

Not giving up

I'm a solicitor, not an athlete.  I keep reasonably fit by doing a little running and cycling but I have never done anything on this scale.

Will I make it in 24 hours or at all?  One thing is for sure, I won't throw in the towel!

Why?

Practically everyone I know has a personal story to tell about loved ones who are affected in some way by cancer.  It is never easy but it is arguably most difficult when young children are diagnosed with the illness. 

One of my friends and his family are going through that right now.  It is very difficult to comprehend how difficult it must be for them and others in the same situation.  Lives are turned upside down, priorities change and everyday concerns suddenly become trivial.  Their journey to recovery is physically, emotionally and financially challenging - whereas mine will be over in 24 hours.  I hope.

Who?

Candlelighters is a Leeds-based charity that helps and supports those children and their families.  Even if the money I can raise by slogging my guts out for 300 miles helps just one family then I know it will all have been worth it.

Please dig deep and join me in raising money for Candlelighters so that it can continue its 40 year campaign to support families affected by cancer.

I need you

Please help me on my way to raising at least £1500.00 for this extremely good cause.  If every person is able to sponsor even just £10.00 then I hope we can smash the target!

Keep checking back here https://www.justgiving.com/JamesLawBlacks/, where I will also post updates in the run-up to (and during!) the ride.

Thank you.

James