Thank you so much to so many of you who have donated to a cause that seemed to touch many hearts. I have a Zoom call with LIV village on Monday 20th Nov, and hope to learn about a date for starting the Solar project.

The ride was difficult in parts (850km from Toulouse to Paris in 5 days, especially) but the experience was life-affirming. I would recommend the Toulouse- Bordeaux Canal and Voie Verte bike path to all riders and standards. My bum was sore after a couple of days but I was lucky enough to have no chaffing (SO many wanted to know 🤦‍♂️). Perhaps the training really did help - thanks James Hatchley and Scott Naismith for your 1-1 rides with me, and everyone who sent me encouragement during the 2 week journey. My best man even followed me on "Find my phone" 😂.

It's a few weeks since I've returned , the donations have dried up , but with Gift-Aid , offline donations and some corporate matching it looks like we will get to £30,000.

The Village are overjoyed.

I have been given some T-Shirts in XL, L, M and S . Please see the photo library for examples. If anyone would like one for Xmas presents to friends, family and Grandchildren (!), please email me .

Much love and thanks again.

Dominic xx

I'm raising money for LIV Village, Durban, who care for orphaned and abandoned children in South Africa, giving them a new start in life . I discovered the village whilst coaching on a rugby tour with Harlequins RFC last November.

I have been in regular contact with the management team at the village since my visit, discussing the feasibility of building a Solar Park on site. This will really help with the day-to-day running of the Durban village, as well as transforming their finances.

https://www.liv-village.com/empower-brighter-futures-for-the-children-of-liv-durban/

Every penny I raise will be earmarked for this project and all UK donations are eligible for Gift-Aid.

10 days on the bike over 1300 kms in France - not to mention the training this summer - will test my 60 year old body's ability to stay in the saddle 7 hours a day. As will having to juggle Strava, Garmin, Wahu and Elemnt to get me to my destination. I could well find myself back where I started !

Many thanks

Dominic