I cycle a lot but have decided to raise my game in 2016 and enter some cycle sportives. I completed Etape Loch Ness in April which was fun at 66 miles but I'm up for the next challenge and the RideLondon 100 feels like the next step.

My friend Laura works for SPANA, the charity for the working animals of the world. I told her I'd help them fundraise by riding this event.

Here's a little about what they do, and how you can help them:

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In the past year SPANA has directly helped around 400,000 animals, providing free veterinary treatment and advice for owners across Africa and the Middle East. SPANA’s work doesn’t just provide a lifeline for working animals; it also helps the thousands of people who depend on those animals for a living.

• £5 will buy a pair of hoof cutters, giving relief from painful feet to hundreds of hard-working horses and donkeys

• £15 will cover the cost of feed and bedding for a five day stay for an injured donkey recovering at one of our animal hospitals

• £25 will pay for a visit to an animal hospital by local school children, where they will learn to respect and value animals and their environment.

By sponsoring me to cycle the Prudential Ride London 100 you will be helping working animals in the marathon journeys they often complete every day of their lives.

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I'm pretty sure at some point along the route I'll be feeling a bit like a poor hard-working donkey myself, so donate if you can to help out these animals and the folks who depend on them in poorer countries than our own.