Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. In 2010, my son had an accident resulting in a serious spinal injury. He spent several months in the North West Regional Spinal Injuries Centre learning to walk again - he was one of the very few who are able to regain mobility after a spinal cord injury, which commonly results in total paralysis below the injury site. Spinal injuries are devastating for the victims and their families, and the mental and psychological impact can be just as damaging as the obvious physical effects.

Spinal Research is a pioneering charity. Its aim is to find ways to repair spinal cord injury and reverse the paralysis that results from it. Based in the UK and recognised as a leader in its field, Spinal Research funds groundbreaking projects at scientific and medical institutions around the world. The next landmark is the launch of clinical trials with paralysed volunteers. These trials will test innovative treatments that could repair damage in the human spinal cord, and so restore sensation and movement.

As a cyclist, I'm well aware of the dangers when out on the road - I've met spinal injury victims who suffered their injury while cycling, and sadly participation in many forms of sport can sometimes result in these life-changing events. I'm joining a group of cyclists from the UK and the USA who are riding from Vancouver in Canada to Tijuana in Mexico down the West Coast of California. I can't make the whole ride, but I'm joining in San Francisco for the last 700 miles or so, over 9 days at the end of September 2012 - it's not an organised event, and we're paying our own expenses, so all funds raised will go to Spinal Research. As my normal weekly mileage is about 100 miles, this is going to be a serious challenge for my ageing legs and creaking joints!

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.