From the 22nd of June I will be taking on a gruelling five day cycling challenge in the Italian Dolomites that involves nearly 600km of distance but more importantly 11,000 metres of climbing. As the organisers said "if we don't make it difficult then people won't be minded to sponsor". Rest assured what they have organised is extremely difficult and whilst I am probably strong enough to do two consecutive days in such conditions, five consecutive days is a very different game.

I would therefore be hugely grateful for any contribution to the chosen cause in order to give me that additional motivation during those difficult moments grinding up those hills.

Conflict is escalating in Ukraine, putting millions of children and their families in immediate danger. More than half a million children in Ukraine are already affected as the conflict in the east of the country enters its eighth year. Homes, schools, water supplies and hospitals are damaged. Landmines pose a major threat to children's lives. UNICEF is especially concerned for the safety and well-being of children who have become separated from their families. UNICEF has been working around the clock to keep children safe since this conflict began eight years ago. They are helping to make sure that child health and protection services are sustained and families have clean water and nutritious food. Please donate to help protect children in Ukraine.