We're lucky enough to speak to and work with some great charities at Reed - and we're currently proudly supporting Whizz-Kidz.

To keep it short - if you can spare a small amount for this great charity (bearing in mind that they have over 500 children on their waiting list for essential mobility equipment) - you'll really be making a difference to a small, Victoria-based, charity that is relied upon by a huge amount of children and families. 

I'll be battling my way through the Prudential Ride 100 in support of them in full Whizz-Kidz kit.
If you can spare a couple of pounds - make a donation now - or if the thought of me in Lycra is not enough to motivate you, read more about Whizz-Kidz below.

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-- Why are we supporting Whizz-Kidz?

It's in no small part because last year, we met Jacqui and McKenzie at a Whizz-Kidz event.

Jacqui asked us to remember how important "fitting in" felt at school. Being included.
Then she pushed us to imagine how much more difficult that would have been if we'd have also had to spend breaks between lessons sat in a corner plugged into a wall, re-charging a wheelchair that couldn't last the day. 
She asked us to imagine having to turn down that important social invitation, for fear of running out of battery and being stranded.

McKenzie, on the other hand, just grinned and popped a wheelie. A big cheer and a bigger grin for something that was not possible in his old chair. 
In fact the heavy, square "standard issue" NHS chair, doesn't compare to his bright red, lightweight chair, custom painted and custom fitted to him. The difference is huge. 
It's the stark difference between on the one hand being left behind by your friends in the playground, tired and in pain... and on the other hand, your school having to impose a speed limit in the corridors.

Along with supporting with equipment costs for people like Jacqui and McKenzie, Whizz-Kidz provides support to families with a huge range of services, be that specialist therapists, mobility clinics, or their range of wheelchair-accessible sports clubs - meaning that McKenzie can train for future wheelchair races in the pool and on the tennis courts - rather than on his teachers' toes. 
http://www.whizz-kidz.org.uk/support-us/the-difference-you-make

--Why me, and why the 100 miles?

After meeting Jacqui, McKenzie, and the team of passionate people who work for Whizz-Kidz - we were committed to raising funds this year.  I cycle 6 miles to work. Sometimes. So naturally 100 miles through the Surrey Hills should be no problem at all. 

On a serious note - having printed Whizz-Kidz' helpful but terrifying training plan (FAQ - "Do I actually have to train?" Answer- Yes!), I've realised that I've got [a few] mountains to climb before this becomes possible for me.

Your donations will spur me on for the pre-work, post-commute spin classes, and we really want to do the team at Whizz-Kidz proud. 

Any money you can spare for this great cause would be really appreciated, as will encouragement, training tips, and padded shorts.