Welcome!

I'm cycling around Burundi for 7 days, starting 4th June 2026, to support a charity I have long-admired: Great Lakes Outreach (GLO).

They work - extremely effectively - to transform the lives of Burundian people living in the toughest of circumstances; affected by conflict, the highest-levels of food insecurity/ hunger, and extreme material poverty https://www.greatlakesoutreach.org/

I have been training hard but, as a relatively new cyclist who has not attempted anything beyond 3 consecutive days of cycling, I know I'm going to find it hugely challenging, and will have to dig deeper than ever before.The week-long journey will be 700 kms, with a total ascent of almost 12,000 meters (apparently Burundi is 'a bit hilly'!). Two cycling days involve climbing 2,500 meters. That'd be tough anywhere in the world, but it will be especially gruelling in Burundi with daytime temperatures reaching the mid-30s (Celsius) and humidity levels around 90%. 

Please give whatever you can, even if it's a very small amount, because I know GLO utilises resources phenomenally well, meaning even a small amount will make a big difference to the lives of people in Burundi. 

If you know me, you'll know that I have worked with several hundred charities worldwide throughout my 24-year international aid career, so I tend to 'know a good one when I see one'!

Simon Guillebaud, GLO's founder and International Director, also hosts a superb podcast, 'Inspired', that I regularly listen to when I need a spiritual boost, or just when I have time walking the spaniel: www.simonguillebaud.com/inspired-podcast. I highly recommend it. 

Thank you!