As a father to very premature twins, some 27 years ago I had good reason to mentally give thanks to those in the medical and scientific communities, and of course the people and organizations who funded their essential research, who developed the techniques and equipment that supported Toby and Sam, and children like them.

Such an organization is Action Medical Research, who are the leading UK charity dedicated to funding research to help sick and disabled babies, children and young people. Action have been funding medical breakthroughs for 70 years now and have helped to beat polio, fight meningitis, prevent stillbirths and develop ultrasound scanning in pregnancy. They are now driving forward children's research, including in the fight against premature birth and rare diseases.

Giving thanks is all very well, but all this good work takes hard cash, so between 23rd and 26th September I will again be joining colleagues for our 10th 'Ziggurat' cycling networking tour, which will see around 70 riders from the construction industry cycle 340 miles, and climb 5,700 metres, from Bilbao to Madrid on a 4 day ride. By donating money for this incredible charity, you are helping to find ways to reduce premature birth, to support children facing a lifetime of challenges caused by disabilities, and to develop cutting-edge therapies for rare and incurable diseases. With your help we're determined to make a real change to children's lives.