Hello...  Thank you for visiting my JustGiving page.  At the advanced age of 63 I have set myself a daunting challenge.  I want to hold back the sands of time and try and get fit for once, but by doing so, I want to raise funds for something I passionately believe in.

I believe the work that Mid Pennine Arts does is vital for our communities.  MPA projects inspire participants, change minds and sometimes they change lives. 

Coming up in 2016 is MPA’s 50th anniversary.  We want to make the most of this landmark date to help secure MPA's future, but we need to raise funds to do so.  And we want to celebrate MPA’s work in a way that looks forward as well as back. How better than to promote Lancashire’s next generation of artists? 

We want to initiate a young artists' award, but one that comes with a real commission, to create something substantial in one of Lancashire’s special places…  We want to name it after the feminist writer and activist who inspired the founding of MPA back in 1966, Doris Nield Chew.  Our award/commission will be called The Doris.

So...  Over three days in early September, I will cycle from London to Paris, around 80 miles a day.  At my age and as a strictly armchair cycling enthusiast, desperately unfit, this is a tough challenge.  But Paris is special to me, and arriving on Day Three under the Eiffel Tower is just irresistible.

Between now and then I just have to get on the bike, and put in the hard miles that will make it achievable.  I'm going to need all the help I can get...  If you would like to add your encouragement, as I put myself through all that pain in support of Lancashire culture, you can contribute here. 

Donating through JustGiving is simple and secure.  I have paid my own costs.  Anything you donate, no matter how small, will all go to the MPA 50 fund.  Thank you for supporting my challenge.  You can be sure that I, MPA and the future winners of The Doris will all be very grateful.