I’ve been taking advantage of the recent spell of good weather to get out for some good rides along the canal – a good off-road surface but slightly lacking in hills. I may need to get a little way out of Birmingham to remedy that as it’s not known for being the hilliest place in the world…

Plans for the warm-up Coast to Coast cycle (Whitehaven to Tynemouth) are in place for the 6^th-9^th October – 137 miles in 4 days across the Pennines… not much then! I am delighted to be joined by Janet Finlay, Rachel Cowgill and Alan Dix, with support from Fiona Dix and Esther Dix.

I’m very excited about my forthcoming fundraising concert on the beautiful island of Tiree. The date is set for 30^th May and a number of special guests will be announced over the coming weeks – watch this space! All proceeds will go directly to the work of the three cancer charities so, if you are in the area, do come along for what promises to be a wonderful evening of music-making.

In other fundraising news, I have a matched giving pledge which will cover all the costs of the Kenyan trip itself, so you can be sure that every penny you give will go directly to the charities. Visit my fundraising page and give generously to support the fantastic work of Breast Cancer Care, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust and Ovarian Cancer Action.