My good friend Mike and I are cycling from Brighton to John o'Groats (approximately 790 miles) in the first half of August, at about 65 miles a day: a 12 day trip. We've been cycling together for many years: London to Istanbul; 3,000 miles in East Africa; Lusaka to Cape Town; Vancouver to Tijuana; Tangier to Marrakech.... and so many other wonderful rides.

We are both 63 now – a tad older; certainly a little slower!

Why are we doing it? Why not? Can Mike and I still complete a big ride? We think so . . . but let’s see if we are still up to it. Both of us love the diversity of the UK landscapes and this ride gives us a chance to catch up with a number of friends along the way (with kind offers of places to stay too!).

Why is our chosen charity, Collage Voices, close to our hearts? All young people deserve a chance to thrive. Through no fault of their own many are dealt a very poor hand. What can inspire them and open their eyes? Three things: the arts; sport and exercise; travel – the opportunity to see something different.

The two of us have both been lucky enough to benefit from all three. We want all young people to have these opportunities. Collage Voices is a charity that offers access to high quality creative, performing and media training at affordable prices. All tutors are drawn from the professional industry and work within their in-house theatre and suite of recording studios. Their weekend classes are only £2.50 each, with full bursaries available.

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Their weekday programmes are a set of wide-ranging initiatives connecting the community with creativity - upskilling and offering new opportunities, as well as pathways to further training and future employment. They give platforms to those not traditionally heard, bringing their stories to a wider public. Their work results in not just a more creative society, but also greater social cohesion.

https://www.collagevoices.co.uk/

Mike and I support their mission statement of providing opportunities in the arts for underrepresented and disadvantaged groups. Please support this worthy - and much needed - organisation. Thank you.

Mark Hartley