Well, this is it. 328km from Cork to Dublin, on a bike, powered by sheer panic.

Up until now, my cycling experience has been strictly school-run territory, a glorious half-mile on a £50 Facebook Marketplace special. But in a moment of bravery (or madness), I will be upgrading to an actual road bike and have signed up for this epic challenge in support of Transaid.

Transaid does phenomenal work improving road safety and transport access in sub-Saharan Africa, helping to save lives through better mobility. While I’ll be wrestling with Irish hills and working out what all the gears do, they’ll be out there making a real difference.

So, if you want to support a great cause (or just enjoy the thought of me regretting my life choices), please donate. Every pound gets me closer to Dublin, and possibly to needing a new backside.