In a moment of madness Cedric and I have signed up to a 480km cycle ride from London to Paris. Now some of you may have had to read that statment 3 or 4 times or climb back onto your chair, but it's true.

With my cycling physique and Cedrics love of Rioja and Marlboro lights, this aint going to be easy - but when put in perspective by the Charity we are doing it for, our determination grows.

We know that it will be helping men and women who risked and continue to risk their lives in many conflicts, including Northern Ireland, the Gulf War, Bosnia and the current campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Legion works so hard supporting them, their dependants and families and, like all charities, they need every penny they can raise.

The legion's flagship bike ride is in it's 16th year, taking cyclists from greenwich park to Calais, down through the historic landscapes of the Somme and Oise regions of Picardy to the Heart of Paris, finishing with a poignant ceremony at the tomb of the unknown soldier at the end of the ride.

Cedric and I appreciate your kind support, knowing that every donation can make a real difference. We promise to take some photos of the pain and chafing and will share/ not share depending on the donations.......