As a result of a combination of factors: a scheduling accident, a failure to check our diaries properly and an entirely unjustified sense of self-confidence earlier in the summer which is evaporating by the day, we have found ourselves committed to walking 27 miles across the Surrey hills on 15th September, then cycling 52 miles from London to Brighton the next day. We are hopjng to swim a couple of lengths on the evening of the 15th to complete a kind of middle-aged person's triathlon.

We are doing this to raise money for the Surrey Care Trust, which does wonderful work helping people of all ages overcome economic and social disadvantage by improving their skills for life and work.

Any support you can give would be gratefully received.