... doesn't like to talk about it"  As Smashie and Nicey used to say.  Ahhh, I loved Harry Enfield's Television Programme. 

I'll cut to the chase as unlike Nicey I will talk about chariddy!

I'm fundraising for the Children of Songea Trust again. A charity that support vulnerable and orphaned children and families in Tanzania in areas of; Health and Education and those affected by HIV and poverty.  The charity aim to build capacity and skills to support local, independent programmes in the longer term so that, ultimately, the charity isn't needed.  You can read more about the work and our philosophy here:  http://www.childrenofsongea.org.uk

So, what's the event!? As some of you will know I'm a fairly avid cyclist so a fundraising bike ride is a no brainer.  But fundraisers need a challenge of some sort!  The challenge is that the route is 206 miles, from the west to east coast of Scotland, in a day. Me and two friends will leave Skye at around 6am and, hopefully, arrive in Dundee about 14 hours later.  It's the longest I'll have ever sat on a road bike and I have to say I'm not particularly looking forward to the latter stages of the event.

Here's a link to the map of the route.  Sorry it's a bit big..... actually.... I'm not sorry.  It matches the bloomin' big route!!

Of course, I'm after your cash.  Anything you can spare.  A quid, 2 quid, a fiver, your gold Rolex, keys to your motor, anything with a cash value really.  No wives or husbands though!  So, not everyone can afford to donate, so please don't feel like any pressure, and some people have their own ideas about where to donate their hard earned to and that's fine.  If anyone is simply a tight fisted, grumpy ol' git, get over it and cough up!

I've a Virgin Money Giving page as VMG is not for profit itself, it's fast, and it's easy.  My team page is at http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/twendecoasttocoast

Thanks for reading this far.  I think the charity is an absolute jewel based on the work they do and the way the charity is run.

I want to say that none of the funds raised by us will be used in anyway to pay for our expenses.  We cover costs ourselves so that all the money we raise goes where it's needed.  The Trustees makes sure that happens.

There's a Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/childrenofsongea and website http://www.childrenofsongea.org.uk/ for anyone that wants more info.