Dear friends,

I will be taking part in the London to Cambridge charity bike ride on 22 July 2012.

This may seem quite an unusual move for me, given my fondness for sedentary pastimes involving cake. Exercise and I have long been estranged, but a rapprochement is very much on the cards, and it's all for the benefit of a good cause.

My sixty-mile slog will be in aid of the Simon Drew Foundation, a registered charity set up by my cousin Alexander to promote the education and training of slum children in the Philippines. It's really humbling to see the effort and imagination that Alex has invested in the SDF and the people it helps. Like all small charities, it needs money to make good things happen.

So, to benefit this fine cause and encourage me to get into shape, would you consider making a donation? I will keep you all posted on how things progress in the run-up to the ride and on the day itself.

Thanks in advance for any and all support. It is deeply appreciated.

Rob