Bishop Lee writes: After falling off my bike in January, I broke my femur, caused my replacement hip to need replacing, and required 5 hours of surgery. The surgeons did an amazing job as x-ray pictures of before and after revealed.

After 3 months of confinement; a first phase of rest with no weight bearing, and  a second of rehabilitation with physiotherapy for 6 weeks, I am now ready to return to ministry, though the bone will not be fully mended for 3 months or so. I have recovered well and am very grateful to the surgeons, a wonderful physiotherapist, and for the support, love and prayers I have received from so many not least my wife, Liz.

Starting from home, the challenge I have set myself is to ride my road bike 120 miles, travelling through each of the seven deaneries in the Diocese of Bristol, and passing by Bristol’s Cathedral and the Bishop of Bristol’s home.

Although cycling has been recommended by my physicians, I am not yet ready or safe to do this out on the roads, even if there were no Lockdown. Instead, I will be completing the challenge virtually by means of my stationary bike connected to a turbo trainer in the garage. This also minimises any danger of me falling!

Christian Aid has always been a charity close to my heart, and in this fundraising challenge I am coupling it with another love, the people and country of Uganda, especially those with whom our Diocese has enjoyed a 50 year old commitment of mutual support and learning. Although Christian Aid currently has no active work in Uganda, their work in South Sudan will benefit Ugandans.

Both countries are experiencing the devastating impact of locusts on their crops and the hardship created by the measures taken to prevent the spread of Covid-19. However, South Sudan continues to suffer from violent conflict and great challenges to governance. which inevitably affect their neighbours in the North of Uganda. Although the funds raised in Christian Aid week will not be going directly to projects in Uganda they should prevent more people seeking refuge and adding to tensions. In this way, both countries should benefit.

Each of the seven deaneries in Bristol Diocese have links with particular dioceses in Uganda, while our adjacent Diocese of Salisbury has strong links with South Sudan. Hopefully, this bring our dioceses together and might amplify what we can give to bless both countries.

To cover the distance I will cycle each day of Christian Aid Week and provide details of the route. This mileage may not be much for a club cyclist but feels enough of a challenge for me at this point in time. I hope that you will be able to join with me in it.I have set a target of raising £1200. 120 donations of £10 will see us there!