This year I'll reach my half century. To celebrate the occasion I'm going to cycle from Lands End to John O Groats, running up the 3 Peaks on route. I'll be raising awareness (and hopefully a bucket full of cash) for Special Kids in the UK, a charity very close to my heart. 

Why am I doing it? For a number of reasons really. It's a personal challenge, I just want to do it before I can't. It's also sticking two fingers up at getting old, I don't want to but I'm going to. 

I also believe that those who have spare capacity should give what they can to those who have been dealt a challenging hand in life, such as the parents and families of children with special needs.  Their lives are quite extraordinary and not through choice or any fault of their own.  When I spend time with them I'm always bowled over by their positive attitude.  Each year the charity hosts a camp for the families.  For one week in August their extraordinary lives are normalised in a field in Wem, Shropshire. No staring, no awkward conversations,  just loving families spending time with their children. One parent told me of her joy that her son could go out and play all day at camp, she only saw him at meal times or when his powered wheelchair needed charging. He can't do that at home.

I have spare capacity. I'm going to give it to Special Kids in the UK.  I hope you'll support me!