Hello Everybody

In June and July this year I will be cycling 232k (144 miles) in two legs - firstly 97k (60 miles) on a nighttime loop around London on 8/9 June, and then the big beast... 135k (84miles) around one of the toughest 'cyclo-sportive' routes in the UK in the Yorkshire Dales on 7 July - to raise funds for two musical charities I am involved with.

The second bike ride (The White Rose Classic) features lots of Very Big, Very Steep and Very Scary hills, over 2,000m of climbing (about the same as a big and scary mountain on the Tour de France) and I will be cycling it with my two (younger and considerably fitter) brothers in law. Training involves wearing deeply unattractive lycra outfits (witness the photo) and riding as fast as I can up every steep hill in South East London and Kent on a racing bike with terrifyingly thin tyres.

Why am I subjecting myself to this act of folly? Firstly, it has nothing to do with the fact that I turn 40 this year. Definitely not. It does have a lot to do with my anorak-like devotion to the Tour de France and all things cycling related. Either way it should be lots of, er... fun.

It also means - with your help - that I can raise some money for two incredible musical charities (one of which I am Chief Executive of). Music can be an inspirational experience for everyone and anyone, and these two initiatives work with young children in two of the most deprived areas in the country - where music can have a transformative effect on their lives.

City of London Sinfonia's Meet the Music programme reaches over 10,000 people every year through work in schools, hospitals, care homes and other settings. In Tower Hamlets, we work with very young children in primary schools aged 4-6 in some of the most deprived urban areas in the country, where our music workshops and performances can have a life-changing effect. 

The church of St John the Divine Kennington has very recently started two children's choirs, bringing high quality musical training to young people aged 6-11 in inner-city South London. Drawn from local primary schools these children will be given one of the best musical educations possible - which otherwise would not be available to them in their local area. The choirs started in April this year and already have over 20 in each group, with performances and a residential trip to Cambridge planned for the summer.

Please do give generously. Both these projects will help to transform the lives of young people and your donations are invaluable. 

(Note that for ease of administration the initial donation with go to City of London Sinfonia, who will then forward 50% of all donations, including Gift Aid, to St John the Divine Kennington.)

Thank you, and wish me luck (I will need it).

Best wishes

Matthew