IT'S OVER, DONE, FINISHED, KAPUT!

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO SUPPORTED US, IT HURT, WE HURT, I'M OFF TO BED.

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Amy and I are scared, so very very scared of the 65km that are fast approaching.

At least I can ride a bike now - all thanks to Amy of course!

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So, when someone asked what we could do internally at the NSPCC this year for the Big Bike Ride, we were left sitting scratching our heads.  What could we do that was unique?

We wanted to do something different, something challenging, something inspiring, and something relatively stupid erm fun, I mean relatively fun!

Naturally I thought I was in the clear, chuckling to my self I thought “Ha! I can’t even ride a bike they’re not getting me roped into one of their crazy schemes!” Turns out I hadn’t thought this quietly enough.  "Ben can’t ride a bike! Ben can’t ride a bike! – Why don’t we teach him, film it, attempt a bike ride and fundraise in the process!!?" Exclaimed Amy, my ever ingenious colleague (and soon to be teacher of bike riding for beginners 101).

Well that was it the die was cast, the plan had been formulated, the seed planted.  Before I knew it I was Googling ‘cheap bikes’ and checking how far I could stretch my health insurance (not far enough).

I’m not going to lie, I can’t ride a bike, I’m scared of those two wheeled devil machines, but frankly this is the best excuse I’ve had to learn.   As an NSPCC employee I know more than most the devastating effect abuse can have on a child. Learning to ride a bike is nothing compared to the courage these children show daily by reaching out for help and overcoming the horrific experiences they have faced.

If I can learn to ride a bike – great, but that shouldn’t be the focus here. At the NSPCC we rely on the support of the public for 87% of our income, we’re not statutory funded, a fact that helps us maintain our identity and as an independent charity focus solely on protecting children, we are willing to challenge convention and the government to ensure the interests of the UK's children come first.

So go on, dig deep, why not sponsor me, or become a fan of my challenge on Facebook.  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bens-Big-Bike-Ride/16540834523 Tell your friends, tell your family – watch as I fall off my bike, laugh as I get overtaken by a group of toddlers.

So that’s it for now, I start my lessons on the Bank Holiday weekend in Tooting Common, so if you fancy a laugh come on down.

Thanks for taking the time to read my justgiving page and for all your support – not too painful I hope!

Thanks again

Ben

PS - Here’s the effective giving mumbo jumbo…

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: NSPCC will receive your money faster and, if you are a taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.