Growing up in Sussex I’ve always wanted to do the London to Brighton cycle ride but never had the courage: when my sisters told me that their charity was looking for riders I leapt at the chance!

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Pan works to bring the healing power of the arts to those who have suffered trauma, displacement, exploitation and social injustice.

By quirk of fate, both my sisters now work for Pan: with Jo as executive director and Emmeline in operations. One of Pan’s big projects for 2025 (it’s 40th year!) has been to secure a permanent venue for their work: the first ever Pan Centre.

The team have worked hard to secure their new space but they need our help to launch it: they’re raising £25,000 to complete refurbishment of the new venue and ready it for opening the doors.

Although I’m delighted to be switching up my regular cycling commute for the open road and a race bike I’m slightly concerned by the prospect of those sneaky hills over the South Downs: I do not have the physique for hill climbing!

I’ll be joined on the ride by Pan staff, participants and partners, together with thousands of other riders taking part for other small charities across the country.

Please join me in supporting this amazing cause!