I am taking part in the 100 mile 'Ride London' on May 28 and although I am fully aware that times are tough and the demand for your charity pennies is high - I cannot let the inevitable pain and suffering of 100 miles in the (narrow) saddle go unrecognised.

So, if you can, please have a dig round the back of the sofa or break open a piggy bank or two and find whatever spare change you can to help me help the most worthy of charities, Shooting Star Children's Hospices.

Shooting Star Children's Hospices cares for babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions, and their families across Surrey and London. It is a charity that I have, sadly, known ever since dear friends lost their son to an incurable disease when he was just two years old and Shooting Star were an extraordinary help and support at that most of difficult of times. The hospices Shooting Star operate are extraordinary places, filled with more hope, love and happiness than you would imagine possible, and they need your support every day.

Whether lives are measured in days, weeks, months or years, Shooting Star makes every moment count. They support families from diagnosis to end of life and throughout bereavement with a range of nursing, practical, emotional and medical care.