Was planning something a wee bit more languorous this summer, but we've all seen the horrors in Ukraine and elsewhere.

The plan is to cycle 1000 miles from Gdansk in Poland to the Gellions Bar in Inverness to raise cash for War Child's work in war-torn parts of the world. 

I'm attempting the 800 or so miles from Gdansk to Amsterdam and then plan to make up the last 200 somewhere between Newcastle ferry port to Inverness. Then I'll go for a pint in the Gellions. 

No charity is perfect, but I like that War Child seems to respond with equal urgency to war and persecution wherever it is in the world. If Covid or any travel hitches strike, I'll do the mileage in Scotland and the UK. If Covid or any hitches strike the Gellions, I'll go to the Glen. My round if/when I get back.

Also just noticed, from March 1st to 31 May 2022, War Child's Unlock a Generation appeal means all donations will be matched pound for pound by the UK Government. This means your gift right now could go twice as far. 

Your donation will help support the unfolding crisis in Ukraine, where 10.7 million children in Ukraine are living through terrifying crisis, as well as places like Afghanistan, and match funding from the UK government will go towards Yemen, where millions of children are still in desperate need of protection from war and conflict.

War Child is striving for a world in which no child's life is torn apart by war. 

They protect, educate and stand up for the rights of children living in war zones. By making a donation, you will be making a difference to thousands of children whose lives have been turned upside-down by conflict. You’ll help War Child provide the emergency care and support they need to overcome the emotional and physical toll of conflict, as well as access to services to catch up on lost education that will help to transform their futures for the better.