UPDATE: You can track my progress via GPS/satellite at http://beest.com

On 12th June 2010 I will join 500 other riders as we depart from John O'Groats to cycle the 1,000 miles to Land's End over 9 days. Our route, which takes us down the west coast of Scotland, through the Lake District, over the Bristol Channel, and across Dartmoor, will climb further than the height of Everest. We'll be cycling around 110 miles a day, and camping at night. The Ride Across Britain is organised by the same folk that put together the recent Sport Relief ride.

The event itself is in support of the Paralympics, but I also want to raise funds for Help for Heroes. In 1993 I was fortunate enough to have my knees patched up in the (long-gone) Cambridge Military Hospital in Aldershot after injuring them at Sandhurst, and even got designated as a war pensioner. I'm frankly ashamed of that when I see how badly our returning troops are treated, and this is an opportunity to repay a little of that debt.

I have covered all my costs and the Paralympics donation, so every penny you donate will go directly to Help for Heroes. You'll be able to track my progress online, and I'll be blogging as I go.

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.

UPDATE: You can track my progress via GPS/satellite at http://beest.com