This year I have the privilege of joining an 'elite' group of cyclists in their annual ride which this year will run from the Cotswolds to Carlisle. Their annual ride was originally inspired by John Howson, a colleague and friend of mine both at Novera Energy and Biossence who sadly passed away in January after losing his battle with acute myloid leukaemia.

John was a keen cyclist and a 240 mile cycle ride across the UK is a fitting way to remember him. I'm just sad that I never got around to participating in one of these events with the great man himself!There is a tour blog which you can follow the team's progress on www.girodjohn.blogspot.com.

This year the team are raising money for the Ward 202 Cancer Centre Charity at University Hospital of North Staffordshire in Stoke on Trent, a charity chosen by John's wife Julia. If you are able to contribute towards our combined fundraising effort, I and the team would be very grateful.