At the end of this month I have set myself the challenge of cycling over 350 kms in 4 days from Campbeltown to Inverness in support of the Care Van.

The Care Van is an important project run and supported by Edinburgh City Mission and Bethany Christian Trust.

The van is an essential source of care and support for people who are homeless and vulnerable in the City of Edinburgh. Relying on volunteers, it goes out almost every day of the year providing soup, food, hot drinks, blankets and clothes, friendship, encouragement and advice to up to 60 people a night who are rough sleeping or housed in homeless B&B accommodation by Edinburgh Council.

To staff the Care Van, Edinburgh City Mission co-ordinates a rota for over 40 volunteer teams that are drawn from local churches across the Lothians and includes over 750 volunteers.

Last year Edinburgh City Mission celebrated 30 years since the Care Van first took to the streets of Edinburgh to provide food and comfort to people in need.

I am fund raising for Edinburgh City Mission's costs towards the Care Van, to ensure this critical support service can continue.

Finally, thanks to my fantastic employer Edrington UK, every £1 raised will be triple matched so that it becomes a £4 donation to Edinburgh City Mission.

Thanks for your sponsorship!