Hi, my name is Stuart Monkman, and I’m a volunteer with Stoke Samaritans.

This July, I’ll be taking on an exciting (and slightly daunting!) challenge with three friends: cycling from London to Paris in just four days — and I’m doing it to raise vital funds for our local Samaritans branch.

We’ll be setting off on 19th July, leaving from Battersea Power Station and riding down to Newhaven, where we’ll catch the ferry to Dieppe. From there, we’ll spend three days cycling through France, aiming to finish at the Eiffel Tower in Paris!

Stoke Samaritans is a charity very close to my heart. Our branch is entirely run through fundraising and donations, and the money raised helps ensure we can continue to provide support for anyone who is struggling to cope — offering a safe, confidential space to talk, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

I know first-hand just how vital these services are for so many people.

That’s why I’m asking for your support. If you’re able to, please consider making a donation. Every penny will help us to keep listening to those who need us most.

Thank you so much for your support — it will definitely help keep me pedalling all the way to Paris!

Stuart