Foundation of Light: - Established in 2001 by former Sunderland AFC chairman Sir Bob Murray CBE, our mission is simple: to improve lives through the power of football.

Having served 24 years in the British Army and always been a very fit individual, mainly through running, athletics and football, to suffer from a serious knee injury which eventually required three operations was devastating. In June last year, unable to return to running and football I took up cycling in a way to get fit again. Like a lot of people though I needed a goal to ensure my motivation stayed high, so started to look around to find a suitable challenge. A work colleague of mine introduced me to the Foundation of Light and the Annual Cycle Challenge that is organised and, I thought this is too good to be true on three different levels: - 1. My wife and I live in the community and see first hand the outstanding, far reaching work that the foundation does. 2. My goal for personal fitness had just been set. 3. A chance to re-visit Croatia, a place I had served twice as a Soldier during its troubled past and see for myself how it has revitalised and grown as an individual nation in its own right.

I am being sponsored by two magnificent companies, Hydraulic Technical Services (NE) Ltd and Norcam Hydraulic Services Ltd who I thank unreservedly for their support and , I will carry their logos on the cycle jersey throughout the challenge. Regular updates throughout the event will also be posted on here and my facebook page.

Please help me raise as much as possible for this fantastic charity and help it do even more for the local community.