For reasons now beyond recollection I have allowed myself to be talked into a 300 km bike ride over 3 days between London and Amsterdam, the two cities that have been my home for the last 27 years. So on May 14, 2012 I will be joining the Chello Foundation’s London to Amsterdam Cycle Challenge 2012.

The cause is excellent: the Chello Foundation specifically focuses on advancing the education of orphans affected by HIV and AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. It provides educational scholarships to allow deserving children to access primary, secondary and polytechnic or college education. The funding provided by the Chello Foundation prioritizes school fees. Currently the Chello Foundation supports the education of more than 5,000 children. For more see www.chellofoundation.org.

The Chello Foundation was founded in 2007 by Shane O’Neil, a colleague who sadly passed away in February this year after a long illness. His work for the foundation was and is an inspiration.

Your gift really can make a difference, whatever the size, as my employer, Liberty Global Inc, will match the amounts I raise as part of its sponsorship of the Foundation thereby doubling the impact of your gift. Your gift will go directly to helping these children. There are costs to this event so the Foundation set a minimum fund raising commitment to take part. I have met this minimum commitment through a personal donation, thereby covering the costs. With your help, I would like to at least raise as much again.

So please sponsor me as I undertake the daunting task of keeping my bottom on a bike seat for three days while cycling the 300 km.

All donations welcome, whatever the size, and for those in the UK, don't forget the gift aid!

Thank you for your support for this hugely worthwhile cause.

Simon