Many thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

I've chosen to raise funds for The Wildlife Aid Foundation because as a frequent cyclist, it is clear to see that the sick and injured animals that make our countryside so precious are under an overwhelming and constant threat, and desperately need our support. WAF provides that support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Their mission is to give any sick, injured or orphaned wildlife a second chance by rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing them back into the wild.  Anybody watching their regular TV documentary series ‘Wildlife SOS’ would have to have a heart of stone not to be moved by the pitiful and helpless situation the animals are in when they arrive at the animal hospital.

For them, the Wildlife Aid Foundation is very much their last chance and thanks to the dedication of the staff and volunteers, an astonishing 70% of these formerly desperate patients are returned back into the wild.

WAF receives no government or lottery funding and is entirely dependent on donations.  They operate an around-the-clock emergency service and what with the cost of medicines, medical equipment and basic items like heating and lighting, it means they need £1000 per day just to stay open.

A lot of money, but to my mind, the care and kindness they give to our wildlife is priceless.  For much more helpful information about their work than I can give, please visit their website www.wildlifeaid.org.uk - they even have webcams of current patients!

So what am I doing to raise some money?

I’m a professional photographer with the bug for touring (or adventure) cycling and I’ve been described as being built for 'comfort, not speed' so the adventure I have planned for June 2013 will last significantly longer than the other Tour de France.

I intend to cycle from St. Mâlo in Brittany to near Aix en Provence in the South and then return back to the Channel port of Dieppe.  All for the pleasure of seeing the nooks and crannies of rural France.  My route will meander through the smallest of lanes, hamlets and villages I can find, and I'm guessing will be no less than 2000 miles.  With the aim of raising £10,000, that boils down to a very modest £5 per mile.

I will be carrying all I need on the bike and staying at campsites along the way, and whereas many fundraisers set themselves a challenge of achieving their goal in a set time period, my challenge is to find my way and not cause any permanent damage to my health with my cooking.

I estimate it will take me 6-8 weeks and the intention is to explore the backwaters of France at a speed that is not harmful to me or the environment.  I will not be wearing lycra (as a courtesy to other road users), but I may consider growing my sideburns.

The pleasure of cycling through the countryside, is, to me, beyond words.  However, as a way of passing on this pleasure, I am proposing to host half- & full-day cycle and photo tours.  Done at a leisurely pace, with a view of seeing and photographing the countryside, I am offering my photographic experience to small groups of 6-8 people at £10 per head with all money going to WAF.  If you would like more information visit my website www.richardsgallery.co.uk.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.

Many thanks,

Richard