On 13th May 2022, myself and fellow cyclist, Andy Byrne, join an intrepid group of adventure cyclists known as the Big Cogs (with their base in Kirkburton and Highburton, near Huddersfield) and set out to ride from St Malo on the French north coast to Nice on the French Rivera.

The 11 day ride covers over 1,600 kilomtres (1,000 miles) and approximately 60,000 feet of climbing.

The spectacular route across France passes through 19 Départments taking in the most famous cycling regions, such as the Loire and Provence, as well as the lesser-known gems, like the Lot river and the verdant banks of the Vienne.

The Big Cogs are raising money for the British Red Cross and their Ukraine Crisis Appeal.

Find out more here: www.bigcogs.cc

The crisis in Ukraine keeps unfolding – please donate

As you know, the humanitarian situation is increasingly dire and desperate.

Millions of people have no safe place to call home. More than 3 million have already left Ukraine, while countless more are still trapped underground, taking cover from the shelling, and desperate for a safe escape.

Hundreds of thousands of people still have no food, no water, no medical care, and no heat or electricity.

Red Cross teams have been working around the clock to get critical care to those who need it most, both in Ukraine and its bordering countries. But with recent freezing temperatures, and ongoing violence, an enormous number of people urgently need help right now.

What is the Red Cross doing to help people now?

So far, Red Cross teams in Ukraine have helped more than 750,000 people since the conflict began. This includes distributing 400 tonnes of vital aid, including food, blankets, hygiene parcels and warm clothes.

First aid training has also been delivered to over 42,000 people so they have the skills to treat their loved ones if needed.

They've also been providing psychosocial support, and helping people regain contact with their loved ones if they've been separated.

Red Cross teams in bordering countries are offering medical care and providing food, aid and shelter to people arriving from Ukraine.

How is the British Red Cross supporting refugees from Ukraine in the UK?

We’re ready to support refugees arriving from Ukraine in the UK. We don’t yet know when or where our support may be needed but we are preparing to warmly welcome refugees who have had to leave their homes and lives behind.   

We are primed to provide compassionate support, information and basics like food, clothes and blankets, if needed, along with helping families contact loved ones, wherever they may be.

Your donation will help us reach more people.

£10 could provide a hygiene kit to a family of five, giving them supplies to stay healthy for a month

£20 could provide five blankets to families taking shelter 

£30 could provide 3,600 chlorine tablets to ensure that families have access to clean, safe water

£100 could provide sleeping mats for 66 people who have been forced from their homes

£210 could provide a fully equipped first aid kit, including supplies, to a first aider treating those wounded