From 23 to 27 September, I will be cycling from Bilbao to Madrid as part of the 2026 Ziggurat charity bike ride, raising money for Action Medical Research.

Before anyone offers too much sympathy, I should acknowledge the obvious.

I like cycling. I do quite a lot of it. The ride is professionally organised, my expenses are covered, I like the people I am cycling with and I am telling my family it is 'work'. In many respects, this is less an act of personal sacrifice and more an extremely well-disguised cycling holiday.

My friends, family and colleagues are therefore finding it difficult to feel particularly sorry for me.

However, the reason for doing it is entirely serious.

Action Medical Research funds vital research to help babies and children affected by disease, disability and serious illness. The charity supports work that can make a genuine difference to children and their families, and the Ziggurat ride has raised substantial sums over many years.

So, while I may be enjoying the cycling more than is strictly appropriate for a charity challenge, every donation will support an excellent cause.

Thank you very much for your support.