Next month we, at the Office for National Statistics, are asking people in Carlisle, Ceredigion, Hackney and Tower Hamlets to help test our systems and processes ahead of the next census by holding a rehearsal.

To give something back to those communities for helping us make sure we deliver the best possible census in 2021, I am taking on the challenge of cycling some 500 miles between the four areas, raising money for the chosen charities of the respective mayors and council speakers.

Starting in Carlisle on Friday September 20, I will head south to Ceredigion, arriving in Aberystwyth on the Saturday, before finishing in Hackney and Tower Hamlets on Monday, September 23.

At the end of my ride, I will divide the money raised equally between the four rehearsal areas, it will then be split between each area’s chosen charities.

The chosen charities are as follows:

Carlisle - CFM’s Cash for Kids; Guide Dogs UK and the Jigsaw Children’s Hospice.

Ceredigion – Hafal, which helps people recover from serious mental illness.

Hackney - The Ivy Street Family Centre and Growbaby Centre, Sporting Hackney Mind and Sistah Space Sanctuary.

Tower Hamlets - The Alzheimer Society (Dementia project) at the Royal London Hospital, Providence Row (Homelessness charity) and Bangladeshi Parents & Carers Association;

Please help me on my way by donating to these local causes!