In support of Kidney Research UK, this July I will be cycling from my home in the North of England to Paris. The ride will be approximately 850Km/530 Miles over 7 days of riding – my longest effort to date by far. The first 200 or so miles will be solo from home to London, then I will join a group of fellow cyclists for London to Paris.

I live with Chronic Kidney Disease, primarily due to physical trauma (a bicycle accident coincidentally). I can take steps to help my situation - looking after my health (diet, exercise, controlling blood sugar/pressure, fluid intake etc.) keeps me in a better place.

Kidney Disease is growing in prevalence and is one of the most prominent non-communicable causes of death globally. Treatments can be gruelling and currently there is no cure. By offering kidney patients and their families hope for the future, Kidney Research UK like many other charities are taking Kidney Disease on, but they can’t do it without help. Every single penny raised from sponsorship will go directly to the charity.

If anyone out there can support in any way at all, it would be very much appreciated – either through a contribution or words of wisdom and encouragement.

The photo shows the 'iconic' start and finish points - Grimsby's dock tower and Paris' Eiffel tower..........