Following the success of the Salford (Manchester) to Lourdes bike ride in 2013 we have decided to pluck up the courage and subject ourselves to months of training and what feels like infinite amount of time sat on saddles that are about same size as beer bottles (but clearly less good than beer bottles!).

The first challenge for me was to retrieve my bike from a garage that its been in since I got off it in Lourdes in 2013! We will be cycling around 1,400 kilometres (close to ½ million pedal rotations each!).

The purpose of the challenge is to raise money so that children with chronic disabilities and special needs and their families can go on the Salford Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes. We have set ourselves a challenging target of raising an average of £800 each, as that is the cost of taking each child. In 2013 I was fortunate enough to raise over £2,000, and between us we raised enough for 10 children to go to Lourdes.

For rider comfort we are looking for better than normal weather in the UK and as we are cycling along the West coast of France we'll be hoping for less wind in our faces than normal, so your prayers as well as donations are much appreciated.

A few more clicks and you'll have helped a child with disabilities / special needs get an amazing experience.

(Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure)