In 2005-08, I lived with my family in Kyiv, working in the British Embassy. We had a happy time, made many friends and have remained connected to the country ever since. When the Russian forces invaded Ukraine in February this year, a number of our friends were caught up in the conflict. Like many people around the world,  we have been looking for ways to help the Ukrainians who have lost so much because of the Russian invasion.

I am now working in Bogotá, Colombia where I do a fair bit of high altitude mountain biking.  On 2 July, together with a mixed team of four Colombian, French and British amigos, I aim to pedal up the longest continuous cycle climb in the world, which is 80.7 Km (55 miles) long, climbing 3182 metres from the start at a balmy 468m and ending up at a chilly 3650m!  The combined effects of the change in altitude and temperature, the steepness and length of the climb and lack of oxygen higher up will make this quite a challenge,  which we estimate will take about 6 hrs in the saddle.

I chose to support Crown Agents because of their real experience working in emergency response,  deep knowledge of Ukraine and record of maximising the bang for the donor’s buck.

I am looking to raise as much money as possible for this very good cause: every bit counts so please give what you can!