Over the past 12 months we know how difficult it has been for all of us. However, one positive that has come from this period is I, like many other people have exercised much more especially on my bike.

As for Charlie, my son, cycling is part of his DNA although he is a little rusty after no racing for at least a year.

During this period the importance of mental health touched us as a family and I am sure as the fall out of the pandemic unfolds into a better time,  many more families will require the help of mental health charities.

We have therefore decided to challenge ourselves to cycle 516 miles, namely the North Coast 500 in Scotland during the first week of May. The route starts in Inverness heads across to the west coast before heading north up the beautiful coast via Ullapool, then across to John O'Groats and back down the East coast to Inverness.

We will encounter lots of hills and unpredictable Scottish weather, but we are challenging ourselves to cycle this in a maximum of 6 days.

To be honest Charlie and I are really looking forward to the ride and the scenery especially after such long period of local cycling. However, we truly would appreciate your sponsorship.

Charities have found the last year particularly tough not being able to complete  their usual fund-raising activities with the pandemic so any support would be really appreciated.