On Sunday 4 August I will be taking part in this year's Prudential RideLondon - Surrey 100. I will be cycling through the roads of London and Surrey's beautiful countryside with the aim of raising funds for Prisoners of Conscience. Prisoners of Conscience’s mission is to protect and advance human rights across the world by providing practical and financial support to people who have exercised a non-violent act of conscience for their and others’ human rights.

People like Esin, a Kurdish political activist and trade unionist who was detained and suffered ill-treatment in Turkey because of her work and beliefs. "I have witnessed severe Human Rights abuse in Turkey for many years. Mistreatment by the Turkish authorities of ethnic minorities was what led me to become politically active..I was not allowed the freedom to continue my political work. I was watched and harassed by the authorities." Esin was forced to leave everything behind and flee to the UK. PoC helped Esin get back on her feet by funding her MA degree in Human Rights. Having successfully completed her degree, she will be now pursuing a career in the sector she is so passionate about.

To find out more about the work of PoC click here to visit the website.

I would be grateful if you could sponsor my 100-mile challenge. Any donation, however big or small, could go a long way in keeping prisoners of conscience and their voices alive.