In 2003 I was roped into cycling from the north of Cuba to the south to raise money for a charity called Well Child.

We managed to raise a decent amount of money and we knew that the money went directly to augmenting all the good work that the staff and volunteers do for the charity.

Since then I have undertaken a number of ridiculous expeditions to raise more funds for this frankly awe inspiring charity

Over 100,000 children and young people are living with serious illness
or exceptional health needs across the UK. Many spend months, even years in hospital because there is no support enabling them to leave. Wellchild's vision is for every child and young person living with serious health needs to have the best chance to thrive - properly supported at home with their families.

Climbing Kilimanjaro was certainly a trek – though I’m not sure whether walking on a glacier was the most frightening moment of the trip or waking up in a small two man tent every morning with my mate looking as if we had just come off the Maltesers ad.!!

We decided that Kili was one thing but walking the Sahara would be different – and it certainly was – extreme temperatures, 100 foot sand dunes and irritable camels – but money raised!

The jungle trek in the wilds of Sumatra was an experience – new terrain, sharp drops, abseiling with vines and curious orangutan who probably thought we were more mad than a threat.

Then in 2017 we did a cycle ride from Ho Chi Min City (Saigon to you and me) to Angkor Wat – two countries, 540 kilometres, 90% humidity and rain like you’ve never seen.

All in all through the generous nature of friends, suppliers, franchisees and just general good folk Well Child have benefitted by over £60,000 over this time – so I’m well chuffed.

I said in 2017 that the cycle ride would be my final effort.

However, I was very fortunate to be invited to Buckingham Palace in 2019 as a ‘thank you’ for the fund raising and frankly the experience was so humbling I thought – surely ‘one more’.

So! I’m off to climb Machu Picchu in October and I really hope you will once again support me and give generously to this fine cause.

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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