My wife and I (61) will be cycling from Whissendine to Paris to raise funds for both Leicester and Rutland Blood Bikes and Pepper's- A Safe Place.

LRBB transport blood, blood products, pathology samples, patient notes, x-rays, patient scans, surgical equipment, donated breast milk – in fact anything where there is an immediate need to transport an item that will directly benefit patient care. They have no paid staff and receive no funding from the government or health bodies. They rely entirely on the generosity of our sponsors, supporters and the public.

Pepper’s- A Safe Place provides regular drop-in sessions for people to look after their mental health and re-connect with the community. They have a centre in Oakham and in Melton, offering a friendly welcome, peer support, a chance to relax, have fun and meet others. There’s never any shortage of tea, coffee, biscuits or welcoming volunteers.