We have all been shocked and saddened by the recent terrorist attacks in London and Manchester.

In response to the attacks The British Red Cross established the UK Solidarity Fund to support victims and their families.

On Thursday 20 July 2017 I will set off from London on a 625 mile (1000km) 45 day walk around the UK via Cardiff, Manchester, Belfast ending in Edinburgh to try and raise money for this Fund.

I will be supported as always by my wife Xuelin who goes ahead to plan the way and stays behind to pay the bills.

Five years ago Xuelin and I pledged to try and walk 10,000 miles and raise £1 million for charity of the next 10 years.

So far we have cover 7427 miles in 23 countries and raised £468.080.

By September this year, with your help, we hope to raise that to over £500,000 and 8000 miles in 25 countries.

More importantly we hope to draw attention through this walk the remarkable bonds of history, culture, values and friendship which we share together in this amazing and beautiful United Kingdom.