Hi friends, family and colleagues.

I really need your help!!

I have been persuaded by my brother Lee to take part in this year's ride London event in order to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis.

For those who know me and Lee, you will be aware that for almost 40 years we watched our father battle the debilitating effects of this terrible illness. Sadly he passed away at the end of last year. The bravest man I ever knew never gave up fighting and never complained about his lot but it was plain for all to see what Multiple Sclerosis took away from him and at the onset in his prime of life.

When Lee first asked me if I wanted to do the ride with him he didn't say immediately that he was riding to raise money for MS and as he knew I'd been doing a little cycling to try and lose a little weight, thought I might be interested.  My response - not likely!

But after a little thought and remembering what a fighter dad had always been (certainly not one to back away from a challenge) I decided it would be a great way to honour him.

So now I find myself in a position where not only do I still need to get a lot fitter over the next five months or so, but also raise the minimum £500 as I have pledged.

So if you can all please dig deep I promise to do my best during the event (it won't be a leisurely ride) and keep you all updated with my progress from training.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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.