In two weeks time I'm cycling off road from Rwanda into the 'heart of darkness' (well near the Congo) through the land of the Gorillas and into some of Africa's most remote and beautiful places.

We are raising money for Hope and Homes for Children which fights institutional neglect of orphaned children worldwide and puts them back into family homes. In 2001 we rode across Romania for this amazing organisation where we saw children tied to cots, neglected, left to go mad in rooms - like some dystopian nightmare.

Happily today the charity has closed those institutions and persuaded most European governments and institutions to shut their orphanages forever and the same forgotten kids we saw trapped in unspeakable conditions are now playing and being loved in families and small communities.

Three things -
1. I hope I come home !
2. I'll double any donations, so if you feel kind...
3. The BIG thing. Just one contact from you please .... I want to find wealthy philanthropic and far sighted people, Trusts, Company charity funds - anyone with cash and a heart - to help these kids. You all probably know one person with money or a organisation or fund I can approach and ask for long term support and partnership. Your personal contact will make the difference. Would you send me your one contact or idea to raise money and as and when I have time I'll approach them and ask if they want to help do something incredible. Xx thanks mauricewgale@gmail.com