I really have no idea why I thought this might be a good idea but I decided I needed a new challenge for 2014 and having done bike rides before plus walking up a hill (Kilimanjaro) - I thought perhaps I should combine the two and find a hilly bike ride to really challenge my aging knees...   So, on August 18th when I have hopefully managed to reconstruct my new bike after it suffers transit via Easyjet, I will be setting off from Venice - across Italy, the Riviera and through the Pyrenees and down the coast to Barcelona where hopefully a large glass of Rioja will be waiting on Sept 4th  (writing it makes it sound so simple... I suspect it might not be!

Please rest assured that this is 100% self-funded by way of cash and pain & sweat.  However - it seems crazy not to take the opportunity to raise money for a worthy cause.... L'Arche Kent.   L'Arche is a worldwide charity that my wonderful mother is very closely involved with - having worked within their community in Kent for many years and I would love to help raise some of the money they so desperately need to fulfil all the programmes they are committed to - both in the UK and worldwide.  It's a charity that you can be assured channels the money to those in need rather than being lost in administration - working to ensure people are not isolated and lonely but secure, happy and able to grow in close knit communities with their learning disabilities.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Please dig deep and donate - everything raised with reach L'Arche (I'll be paying for all costs / aches & pains!  Many thanks