Over the past seven weeks I've had the privilege of watching as thousands of volunteers, and the dedicated staff that support them, completely change the way they work across the UK to support people impacted by COVID19.

From supporting the delivery of food and supplies, right the way to online befriending, pastoral support for young care leavers and the formation of online social groups for older people isolated and living on their own, the response has been amazing.  

The charity is supporting thousands of people to volunteer their time to help others, right throughout the UK.  We have done this at a time when we've seen our income fall with fundraising events cancelled, and our trading income from employers looking to volunteer significantly falling.  We are needed more than ever, but have less resources to work with.   So I have decided to join the innovation that's happening to raise funds.

Like the rest of the team, I've been flat out trying to make all this happen safely.   I am now finally starting to think about taking the odd day off to recharge my batteries.  I usually do this by going out for a long cycle, but current exercising restrictions in Scotland mean I can't go far!   And I'm not a great relaxer on my day off ... so I've decided to find another way of doing just that.

So on Friday 29th May at 3am, I will start a 24 hour cycle on my virtual bike.  I expect to cover at least 350 miles in the virtual cycling world of Zwift... which is quite a long way!  So in recognition of the size of the challenge I'm undertaking, and of the huge efforts our team of staff and volunteers have gone to to support communities right throughout the UK, I'd welcome anything you feel you can donate towards our efforts!

If you don't already, you can follow me on twitter for regular updates from the bike throughout the day - @paul_reddish