So, yes, much to our own surprise, we are actually doing this....

As most of you know (we've not stopped going on about it), the two of us are cycling 4,000 miles across America from August 19th 2013.

Why are we doing this? The adventure, the challenge and to raise money for the Disaster and Emergency Committee (DEC) Syria crisis appeal and Plymouth Onocology Centre. This is where you come in, so please read on....

All our £000s of living expenses, travel costs and kit costs are being covered by ourselves and sponsors, so every penny you donate will go straight to these two causes, both of which are very important to the both of us. All donations are welcome, no matter how small. What is more, our employer will match any donation made so please do give generously...

DEC Syria crisis appeal

DEC coordinates the work of 14 high profile charities to maximise the benefit to the crisis in Syria.

Two years of war have had a devastating impact on many Syrian families and have left more than four million people displaced and in need of aid. Over 80,000 people have died. In many parts of the country the health system has effectively collapsed, water supplies have been cut and food is in short supply.

In addition, over one million people have now fled to the neighbouring countries of Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and Iraq. Refugees are arriving at camps which are already stretched to capacity, and many families are living in crude shelters they have built themselves, with host families in overcrowded conditions or in partially finished buildings. Please help if you can.