In 2009, Rob Gauntlett and James Atkinson tragically died in the Alps. Two brilliant lives cut short - to me, two wonderful friends, who remain with me every day. Four years later, and we lost two more close friends, in Jack Hutton-Potts and Vaughan Holme, to whom One Mile Closer meant so much.

Six months after the funeral, as Rob and James would have wanted, in search of adventure, we rode from John O' Groat's to Land's End – that we had ridden with Rob and James.  1000 miles of freedom and fresh air on the roads, and an epic achievement from many who had never cycled before. Three years later, in 2012, 35 riders rode 1000km from Provence to Sussex, conquering Mont Ventoux, Giant of Provence in the process.

At Rob’s school at Nalango Secondary in Uganda, we have funded 5 classrooms; 12 latrines; staffroom, offices and 4 teachers’ houses; land purchase; desks, textbooks, water tanks and science equipment. With 540 pupils, the school is growing fast – the Gauntlett family, Kay and myself have all spent time at the school recently, and have been inspired by the progress that is being made under headmaster Paul Kasadha.

Now, our attentions turn further eastwards: we shall pedal One Mile Closer, from Prague to Sussex, seeking out once again the wonder of the road, the wind and the hills, of good company, laughter, and, once again, Rob and James' inspiration.

Close to my heart as ever, I thank you, and I hope you find as much joy in the trip as me, and will be able to help the projects in Rob and James name. Any money donated on this page will go to Nalango Secondary School.

More information on the ride and the projects (including fundraising for the Uganda project in Rob's name), and can all be found on the team fundraising page at http://www.justgiving.com/teams/One-Mile-Closer and the team website at http://onemilecloser.com/