"It is a few years since I last took on a 100-mile cycling challenge and as I’m now in my 62nd year and the proud recipient of a 2nd prosthetic hip since riding from Calais to Bilbao, it feels quite daunting. However, I keep telling myself that if I could do that distance for 9 consecutive days, surely I can do it again over 1 day in May 2024, despite the toll the intervening years have taken.

My motivation is in supporting the MND charity and in recognition of those individuals and families whose lives have been turned upside down by this horrific disease. There must be a cure out there and if the money raised contributes even a miniscule amount to that, then it is totally worthwhile.

I will therefore be riding in memory of my wife’s step mum Sheila Wilkinson, who demonstrated true bravery following her MND diagnosis and through the proceeding months as the disease took hold at such a devastating rate. I can only describe her as a ‘real sweetie’…why is it the good ones who suffer?

So, as you are here reading this you must be considering a donation. Please dig deep, as I’m sure I will be doing at numerous points on 26th May."

When I lived in South Africa, I took part in many charity events raising funds for children with cancer. This was the start of some crazy ideas to raise funds such as riding the 947-cycle challenge on an ice-cream bicycle.

I then moved to Dubai, and this was first interaction with MND24, a physical challenge event to take part in a chosen sport for a total of 24 hours in a bid to raise funds to support research into Motor Neuron Disease.

A very good friend of mine, Derek, has taken on some incredible challenges in the past to raise awareness around MND.

His next adventure which takes place on the 22nd June 2024 is to raise funds for Space North East, who provide support to men who are suffering with depression, loneliness and anxiety. He will be running 137.5 miles across the UK, and then immediately cycling back along the same route.

His challenge has inspired me to take part in the RideLondon event (100-mile bike ride through London and Essex), together with my work colleagues, David and Steve, to raise funds for the MND Association.

It has been several months since I cycled and the fitness is lacking, so I am expecting a challenging day on the bicycle, but taking part in such an event to raise funds for MND will make it all worthwhile.

Thank you for reading my story and please consider supporting our Team and donating to the MND Association to help them continue their amazing research. Your donations are the encouragement we need during our 100-mile cycle.

Recent bad news from a family very close to my own, all our children grew up together. Dan Ladyman, now 35, was diagnosis with MND. Within a very short period of time, Dan's deterioration has been nothing less than devastating, this encouraged me to take this challenge on.

Dan is simply a nice, family focused and caring person, showing how this dreadful disease is and that it has no boundaries and does not discriminate.

I know everyone is working on a cure, something that may slow the disease down or help for those suffering.

Any donation that can be given towards my ride would be gratefully appreciated and I know well received to by MNDA.