The idea for TOO500 was born out of the realisation that child health lacks both funding and focus on a global scale. Accordingly, the purpose of #too500 is not only to raise much needed funds in order to invest in innovative projects, but also to raise awareness of the need for improved focus and funding within child health and the benefits that this will then provide not only on the child and their families but for the hospitals and society as a whole.

As a cyclist and a surgeon at Alder Hey, I was asked to join the ride for the 'Alder Hey leg', but once I read about TOO and the aim of the fundraising, pushing myself to take part in the entire challenge was so clearly the right thing to do. I hope that by going the extra (400) mile (s!) we will raise a great amount and in doing so improve healthcare for children - and that should make my day job easier too!!