I'm off to cycle what has become known as the Raid Pyrenees - a 705km route across the Pyrenees to raise funds for Young Gloucestershire - an incredible charity of which I'm a trustee. The route starts on the Atlantic coast, and ends some 705km, sixteen climbs, six days, and 46,754ft of ascent later (yes that's one-and-a-half Everests' of ascent!) on the Mediterranean coast. The route takes in all those horrible climbs immortalised by the Tour de France ... the cols of Tourmalet, d'Aubisque, and Peyresourde. 

Not being a cyclist, I'm not too sure why I'm doing this - other than to raise funds for a wonderful local charity.  Young Gloucestershire, or YG as they are known, provides help for disadvantaged 16-25 year-olds - helping them develop life skills to make the most of their lives. Never has the need for their services - or funding - been greater. I would be hugely grateful for your support.