As Victoria's wonderful mother has been and gone and got lung cancer, we thought this lunatic adventure could have a more meaningful purpose.

It should make 239km of hills in ~10 hours seem like a breeze. The 'real' Tour de France guys will follow a couple of days later, after the 8,000 of us have warmed up the tarmac for them. That'll be the reason why they'll be several hours faster.

This page could not make it easier for you to have a hand in it all.

Donating through this site is simple (just click above), fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor us: Cancer Research UK will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

In addition, please e-mail me on v.wood@bhgplc.com NOW if you are prepared to double your pledge if one of us gets into the top 30 of their event. Ah, go arn. Go arn, go arn, go arn.

Thank you.