2014 was always going to be a big year for me with the BIG FOUR-OH coming up in June.

A couple of years ago when I started to think about how I would celebrate / commiserate, I brilliantly (or stupidly?) decided to mark it by:

Cycling Lands End to John O’Groats

I set off on my epic ride to go from one end of our fair isle to the other on the 17th of May. 

Never one to do things by half, I decided the 'standard' routes of around 900 miles weren’t quite long enough – why get that close and not complete 1000? – therefore I plotted a route to include not only the famous start and end points, but also Lizard Point and Dunnet Head (respectively the most southerly and northerly points of our mainland), alongside other points of interest / relevance from my past 40 years. All going to plan, 11 days and just under 1100 miles later I will turn up in John O’Groats, no doubt tired and exhausted, but hopefully also exhilarated and inspired from my journey. Also, this is not part of a charity organised event – I am doing it on my own steam, so cycling all the distance on my own, and carrying my own kit in panniers.

I am supporting Children's University throughout my epic adventure.  The Children's University is an international charity that provides 7 to 14 year olds (and 5 and 6 year olds with their families and carers) with exciting, innovative high-quality learning experiences outside the normal school day, at weekends and during the holidays throughout the British Isles and beyond.  

There are in excess of 115 local Children’s University centres across the British Isles all managed to meet the needs of their local communities and all involve local universities, colleges and schools. There are also CU developments in the Netherlands, Australia, Malaysia and Singapore and the concept has captured interest in China, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Poland, Pakistan, Portugal, New Zealand the United Arab Emirates and the USA. 

Although open to all, the Children’s University aims particularly to reach children facing educational and socio-economic disadvantage.  

Our aim is to raise aspirations and develop a love of learning by issuing children with a Passport To Learning which records their individual learning journey. The children are rewarded for their participation with certificates at graduation ceremonies at grown-up universities with proud parents in the audience.  

The activities are practical, fun-based and voluntary and include after-school clubs, community activities, and learning at museums and theatres, in parks and galleries and even at DIY stores, SKY TV and the BBC. Children are also encouraged to attend CU lectures and seminars at universities in order to whet their appetite for future learning.