Over three days in early September I’ll be cycling around 245 miles from London to Paris in support of Action Medical Research, a charity that has funded life-changing medical breakthroughs for more than 70 years.

My route will take me through the Kent countryside to Dover, then from Calais via Amiens through to the finish line at Paris's iconic Eiffel Tower. It’s a tough challenge (a three-day ride is uncharted territory for me!), but one I’m excited to take on in support of a cause that has made such a profound difference to children and families.

As a proud Dad, I know how much we all want the best possible start in life for our children. Action Medical Research has played a part in some truly remarkable advances that have helped to make this a reality. These include supporting the development of the first UK polio vaccines, to making ultrasound scanning in pregnancy routine, to helping test the rubella vaccine so fewer babies are born with serious infection-related disabilities.

More recently, Action-funded research has helped improve outcomes for newborn babies at risk of brain damage, and has contributed to advances in supporting children fighting rare diseases and childhood cancer - have a look here: https://action.org.uk/research/research-we-fund.

These kinds of breakthroughs are the reason I’m taking on this challenge — to support the scientists and clinicians working to prevent illness, improve treatments and give more families precious time together.

Please consider sponsoring me — every donation helps keep this vital research going and gives children and families the best chance in life.