Riding from Lands End to John O Groats has been a long held ambition. 1,010 miles and over 55,000ft of climbing in just two weeks. That is the same distance from my home in London as Anthens. The climbing is close to ascending Everest twice! Its a big effort so I have decided to raise some funds for some very special children and their remarkable families that would really welcome your support. Rather than supporting one of the big UK-wide charities I have decided to support two smaller organisations that operate at a local level and where I hope your donation can have a real impact.

As many of you will know, prior to my retirement in October I spend 18 years working at Defra with producers, retailers and electrical recyclers to drive up the levels of electrical recycling across the UK. I am cycling from South to North so have chose to support an organisation close to one of the UKs most southerly electrical recyclers and another close to one of the UKs most northerly electrical recyclers.

Demelza is based in Kent, and Changing Minds with Pick up a Penny is based in Newcastle Upon Tyne. You can choose to donate to either organisation or split your donation between the two

This page is raising funds for Demelza who deliver extraordinary care to extraordinary children who are facing serious or life-limiting conditions, throughout Kent, South East London and East Sussex. They support children and their families with expert clinical, emotional and practical support at every step – from first diagnosis and for as long as they are needed.

You can donate to Changing Minds Pick Up a Penny at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/graeme-vickery-changingminds/admin