For the past 25 years (at least) my family have spent some part of every summer near - and in - Lake Orta. Grandparents, parents, sister, nephew, cousins, family friends, in-laws - every year some collection of Singers descends on the lake.

This year, what with one thing and another, that isn't going to happen. Cue a chorus of the world's very tiniest violins.

But, why not turn a sad summer into an opportunity? I may not be able to actually leave Kilburn, but I can fly to my favourite place on earth in my imagination. So, over the next month, I am going to cycle 40-60km per day, 'stopping off' at towns in England, France, Switzerland and Italy, to get to the lake. 

With any luck I'll complete the 1,134km on July 25 - the day we were meant to arrive this year. If you fancy sponsoring me - please give below to Refugees at Home. 

Refugees at Home is a UK based charity aiming to connect those with a spare room in their home with asylum seekers and refugees in need of accommodation. So far they have hosted over 130,000 nights - that's nights being spent in warm, unused beds, rather than on park benches or empty trains. 

If you have a spare room, and want to help make someone's world a better place please, please go to https://www.refugeesathome.org/ and offer to be a host. If not, then donate here!