I'm raising money for a brilliant charity called Red Balloon which supports children who are too frightened to go to school because of bullying, mental health problems and/or other trauma in their lives.

I worked for this charity for 3 years and was able to experience first hand the way young people's lives can be transformed when adults are prepared to make an effort to accept them, listen to them and just care about them.

There so many young people whose lives have been put back on track and some whose lives have been literally saved by what Red Balloon is able to offer, but there are so many more children (at least 16000) in this country who are missing school because of bullying or trauma and they desperately need Red Balloon's help.

That's why I'm taking part in this years Red Balloon Ride. Together with others, we are aiming to raise £10,000 in June to help many more children receive the education that they need. 

It is my 51st birthday in June and I would like to cycle 5 miles for every year of my life. So my target is to cycle 255 miles during June. I have no idea whether I will be able to do that, but I am going to try! If I can raise at least £255 then I will be happy - if I can raise more than that then I will be overjoyed!

So will you sponsor me, please? Your support will help keep me motivated on those rainy days!