I am not a cyclist, this will be a big challenge for me...

Carl Lomas, Institute of Couriers chairman announced at the Microlise conference at the Coventry Arena to over two thousand logisticians that he would cycle the London to Paris cycle event for the Transaid charity before completing the keynote lecture for the Express sector. There was huge applause. Carl has not been on a cycle in twenty years,

‘It's going to be a big challenge but the cause for Transaid is so worthwhile, I encourage the Express sector to get behind me on this one.’

Carl will start the challenge from the TfL HQ, Palestra House at 13.30 on Thursday June 21st. TfL Boss Mike Brown and senior IoC fellows will wave the IoC chair away at 13.30. Leaving London for the challenge of the South Downs and catching the Portsmouth to Caen ferry on the evening Friday Sept 22nd. To complete the challenge Carl must arrive at the Champs d'Elysee on Sunday afternoon.

Microlise will be tracking the IoC boss and you will be able to see his location during the event via the Institute of Couriers web at www.ioc.uk.com

From 22nd - 25th September 2017, I will be part of a team of 63 volunteers taking part in Transaid’s ‘London to Paris 2017’ challenge, cycling a total of 250 miles over four days!

The funds raised by participants on this challenge will go directly to Transaid, counting as invaluable 'unrestricted funding' which can be allocated to programmes & development that require it most urgently.

Transaid transforms lives through safe, available, and sustainable transport.Founded by Save the Children, The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), and its Patron, HRH The Princess Royal, the international development organisation shares 25 years’ worth of expertise in 23 countries with partners and governments –empowering communities to build the skills they need to transform their own lives.

Transaid works in two core areas: 

·        Supportingdrivers, governments and training institutions to improve road safety.

Find out how Transaid works to improve professional driver training in Tanzania here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCHzhOlpp1w             

·        Empowering communities to transform their own lives through access to vital services, such as healthcare. 

Find out how Transaid has worked to improve access to healthcare in rural Zambia here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iHSd2JgsX0&t=1s             

Transaid believes that every driver should be able to leave for a day’s work without the fear they may not come home because of dangerous vehicles and roads, or a lack of training. Every family should be able to access emergency healthcare in times of need. Every community should have the opportunity to build the skills they need to transform their future.

If you are able to make a donation, however small, to support my fundraising effort for Transaid, I would be extremely grateful. You can find out more about Transaid’s life-saving transport programmes at www.transaid.org              

Thank you so much in advance for your support!