I know times are tough and many charitable demands continue to be made on all of us but I am hoping that we can all spare a little money for those less fortunate than ourselves.

Yet again I have decided to do something personally and socially fulfilling – a bike ride this October in Nicaragua and Costa Rica raising money for the Norwood charity which provides support for children and families coping with learning disabilities and social disadvantage. Norwood relies on raising £8m in voluntary funding and this ride plays a crucial part in this.

The bike ride will involve riding between 50 - 70 miles per day. I am combining a regime of training hard and eating less in an attempt to cycle up the mountains. Unfortunately you are unable to help me with my training and weight loss. However, where you can help is by sponsoring me by making a donation to Norwood in order to help me raise sponsorship of at least £5,000.

Please also sign the Gift Aid declaration which adds 28% to your donation.