Ten years ago aged 40, I rode from Yorkshire to London with my brother Asa in the first ever 'Big Ride for Palestine' (not all in one day by the way) supporting children's charities in Gaza,. So it seemed fitting when turning 50 this summer to try another big challenge and raise some money for a good cause at the same time.

I've persuaded my brothers Barry and Asa to join me and take part in the GFNY 'Be a pro for a day' race in the Alps, designed to replicate a mountain stage of the Tour de France. This will hopefully help me prove to myself that although I'm now about to turn half a century old, there is some life in me yet and more adventures to be had.

We'll be getting up bright and early on the 15th June ready to start a race in the Alps, including riding up the 21 hairpin bends of the mighty Alpe D'Huez, the most famous mountain climb in the Tour de France. We also have to ride up another big hill after that before getting back to the finish line... and collapsing.

Up until a couple of weeks ago training was going ok. I was feeling strong and Barry and Asa were getting regular long rides in. Then my left knee started complaining....then getting really grumpy, so no cycling in the last couple of weeks and I'm losing fitness. Barry got covid (or something similar) for what seemed like months, and Asa managed to fall off his bike TWICE recently, damaging ribs and shoulder.... But it will all surely add to the sense of achievement when we cross the finish line... Fingers crossed!

10 years ago the situation was terrible for Palestinians, but sadly it's only worse now, with much of the population of Gaza close to starvation due to Israel's blockade and thousands of children in desperate need of medical treatment.

Many hundreds of doctors and nurses have also been killed by Israeli bombing of medical facilities but brave doctors and nurses continue to help people in the most hellish conditions imaginable.

Medical Aid for Palestinians (based in Islington) are a charity close to my heart because they provide Doctors, Nurses and medical equipment where it's most needed, so please be sure any money you donate by sponsoring me for this cycling challenge, will be well appreciated and well used.

Thank you xx