Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

As many of you know, I broke my back on February 19th 2003 whilst studying gravity at University. Within a year of learning to walk again I raised money for the hospital that pieced me back together by cycling from Land's End to John O'Groats in 8 days. Now, ten years on, I hope to raise money for another charity that has an impact not on me, but on those around me.

I now hope to cycle (with my great friend and cycling partner Ben) from London to Land's End, a total of approximately 320 miles (or 515 kilometres) without stopping. There will almost certainly be blood, sweat and tears. And very sore bottoms.

The Kurdistan Region of Iraq has been beset by conflict, tragedy and genocide. Recent press articles noting an apparent oil boom in the Kurdistan Region are not incorrect, but at this stage of oil exploration it will be perhaps over a decade until the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Kurdish people feel any significant trickle-down of wealth. Poverty is a daily reality for many, particularly outside of the cities.

Future wealth may bring paved roads, continuous electricity supply and clean running water for the population. But things that I took for granted and enjoyed in my youth (and I suspect that you did also) such as football pitches, rugby coaching, team sports and training facilities are but a dream for many Kurdish children.

Generations of children in Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region, have grown up too fast and lost their childhood. I hope that my cycle ride, and the Salah Rahman Sports Foundation, can help ensure that for the children of today and tomorrow, community sports and an active childhood are a reality and not a dream.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.