This September, I am undertaking a unique cycling challenge to raise money for The Not Forgotten. As many of you will know, this is a charity very close to my heart. I have been a beneficiary for over 25 years and they have helped me as well as countless others though very difficult times. I will be the only member of the team undertaking the challenge on a hand-cycle. It will truly test my limits as the route will be quite difficult in places.

From 17 to 23 Sept the team – including amputees, those with visual impairment, mental injury and trauma including PTSD from their time in the forces – will be pushing through a gruelling 400-mile cross-country cycle challenge – the ‘Tour de Not Forgotten’.

Our route, designed especially for us by our expert cycling partners Bikecation, forms roughly the shape of The Not Forgotten’s elephant’s head logo… from the grave of founder, Marta Cunningham, in West Ealing, London; calling in to greet other veterans and supporters at Portsmouth, Poole, Taunton, Bristol and Hereford; and finally finishing after 7 days at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

Supported by Bikecation, we will tackle up to 95 miles each day over 6 days, a serious test of physical and mental endurance, pushing personal boundaries.