I have agreed to take part in a community / charity programme with some members of Group Operations Exco and Leadership Team. The events run from 20th June to 20th July.

For my sins I am taking part in a Bikeathon from John O'Groats to Lands End ( approx . 950 miles), visiting four operations centres on the way. The purpose of this is to make a real and positive impact on the communities in which we operate, promoting healthy living, and demonstrating a focus on the well-being of our people as well as encouraging collaboration. I start the ride on Sunday 19th June and finish a week later.

The Bikeathon also gives us an opportunity to raise money for charities and each of us taking part have chosen a charity to raise funds for. I have chosen Keech Hospices which is a departure from my traditional choices of Cancer Research or British heart Foundation.

Keech provides free hospice care for children with terminal illness in Bedfordshire where I live now and is also helping with schools and HIV issues in Zambia which is where I grew up, so I feel  a close affinity with this charity. http://www.keech.org.uk/

As many of you know, whilst I do enjoy the two-wheeled mode of transport, I am more accustomed to having an engine! This is going to be a major challenge for me and having the time to get serious training in is not going well alongside other commitments at home. However, I will give it my best shot, and would be really grateful for your generous support to spur me on!

Please give generously  

thanks Jonathan