Mission accomplished! Stage 9 of the Tour de France was 208 km and proved to be a gruesome and arduous day that took over 9 hours. The wind howled in our faces all day; it didn't stop raining; temperatures plummetted at the top of cols and already difficult enough decents were rendered dangerous. But we stayed together and completed it.

I am so grateful to all who have sponsored me and helped raise well in excess of £2000. I think this site stays active for 6 months until after the event - so it is not too late to donate.

I know there are huge demands on people for charitable giving these days and family budgets do not stretch as far as they did but I am asking for your help in supporting me. Anything that you can afford will be so generously received by those certainly less fortunate than us.  

Tearfund is a Christian organisation that Val and I have supported for years. They have a first class record in providing sustainable development to poor communities. The project that I am supporting will help 75,000 people directly experience greater food security and improved access to water in Melut County, Upper Nile State, South Sudan. For every £1 that is raised for Tearfund, the EU will give £8.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving as they never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Should you donate, they will send your money directly to Tearfund and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it is the most efficient way to donate: I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Thank you so much for any contribution that you are able to make.