I want to give my everything to make a difference, with the support of others, to give underserved kids hope. I have volunteered for the charity Active Hope and seen first hand how it changes children's lives. I am so passionate about the charity and it's work that I have the privilege on now being a trustee. 2025 has been really tough and there has been a significant drop in funding which has meant a change in the structure of the charity and the loss of two brilliant instructors. Without funding charities cannot do their amazing work. The challenge is threefold. Encourage people to back the effort, fundraising a huge amount, complete a distance on a bike that, right now (December 25) seems right at the edge of possible for me and the challenge of a lifetime.

John Shiels, MBE, CEO of Manchester United Foundation was on my podcast Leadership Actually (Series 2 Episode 9). His call to action was "If we all do our own little bit, the world would be a better place." John inspired me to act. We also had Jon Dutton, OBE, the CEO of British Cycling (Series 2, Episode 8). Jon's focus on social impact really struck a chord and seeing the home of British Cycling instantly made me want to jump on my bike which in truth is a bit dusty in the garage.

Anyone that saw Sara Cox's challenge for Children in Need, November 25 will never forget it. Sara ran 5 marathons in 5 days to raise over £10 million. Sara inspired the nation. Then came walking with Simone Riley and following Joe McGrath in their three-legged challenge, where they completed the route and had different people come and join them for a bit along the way.

"On yer bike...Lee" has been created from all of those incredible influences. At it's core, this is for those who have had 2,000 no's or this will never work, felt rejection and turn that into something that is useful and serves others.

I am going to attempt to get a team together and a support crew of some kind, figure out the best route and cycle John O'Groats to Lands End in June 2026. The idea is that people do as much or as little as they want, can do. If riding is not for them, they can support or donate.

To date, the most I have ever rode in one go is 60 miles, so for me this will be very tough and that was before my back operation two years ago.

Please give what you can, and follow the journey up to June 26. For now you can follow the training journey on Instagram @fitter4forties.

Thank you so much for reading.

Lee