In late September, I will be joining five other MAMIL’s (Middle Aged Men In Lycra) who thought it would be a good idea to cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats (LEJOG). As with a lot of ideas like this, 6 months ago it seemed like a great idea. Now the prospect of cycling somewhere between 150-200km per day for 9 days straight in late autumn, uphill (it is south to north after all) and undoubtedly into a headwind seems a little more daunting.

Over the last few years I have done a number of multi-day cycling events, but only for myself. However for LEJOG I wanted to do a little bit more and help support a worthy cause.

Worldwide Veterinary Service is a charity that helps animals in places no-one else can. They provide free expert care to animals in need all over the world. This is done by sending vets where they are needed most, training them to increase the standard of care globally and by shipping urgent aid supplies worldwide, every week of the year.

Over the past few years, my wife has been volunteering for WVS in her capacity as a veterinary surgeon – helping train vets and vet nurses in countries such as Thailand, India and Malawi where the availability of care for animals is a far cry from what we are used to.  

Having seen some of the conditions that she worked in (you'll find a few photos of her at work in Malawi in the photo gallery), the hardship that the animals face and the difference that WVS makes, this is my chance to do my bit, through your generosity, in helping WVS continue to do what they do. 

As a note, we will be funding the cycle ride ourselves, so all the money raised will go directly to the charities we are supporting.

Even if you are not in a position to donate, I would encourage you to take a look at the WVS website and help spread the word on the work they do – as the animals they help don’t have the voice to do it for themselves.