I am undertaking the London to Brighton cycleride on the the 10th September for two fantastic charities - the Brain Tumour Charity and Switchback. So why am I doing this and why would I be delighted to have your support?

25 years ago this year my mum Wendy breathed her last, her body and brain ravaged by a brain tumour. 25 years on brain tumours are still taking far too many people of all ages, with diagnosis and treatment still lagging far behind that of other cancers. The Brain Tumour charity is the worlds leading brain tumour charity and largest funder of research but also provides vital information for those affected and their families on this cruellest of diseases. But Covid, cost of living and NHS pressures are making it even harder for patients and for the charity so they need all the help and funds they can get.

Much as I want to mark my Mum's passing, I want more to remember her life and how Mum was a wonderful parent, a teacher and passionate about giving people opportunities, chances and indeed second chances. Switchback works with young men leaving prison supporting them to find their way out of the justice system and build stable, rewarding lives of which they can be proud. Switchback provides intensive one-to-one support either side of the prison gate alongside real-work training after release, and works with trainees to advocate for change across the criminal justice system. I've known Switchback since its early days 15 years ago and have helped it in a number of ways and now am proud to be Chair of Trustees. We know our approach works as nationally whilst 49% of prison-leavers return within a year of release, for Switchback Trainees this figure is just 9%, with over 500 young men being supported to change their lives. But again times are more challenging than ever with prisons overcrowded, under resourced and increasingly dangerous, young men locked in cells for over 20+ hours a day with nothing to do and funds ever harder for charities like Switchback to come by.

So I am cycling 55 miles (88 km), more than double the longest distance I have ever done and would be hugely grateful for your support. So for me, Mum, The Brain Tumour Charity and Switchback and all those both charities support, please give whatever you can. And I will do my best to pedal all that way (including some big hills) from London where I live to Brighton seafront (which has extra resonance as its where I got engaged!)

I know times are tough so whatever you can give will be much appreciated. Don't forget to Gift Aid if you can. The first £500 I raise will also be matched by Lloyds Bank Foundation where I work - so double benefit. And whatever raised will be split equally between Brain Tumour Charity and Switchback. Thank you for your support! Duncan xx

To find out more please see https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/ and https://switchback.org.uk/

PS. I am using this site rather than Just Giving as it allows the money raised to be split between two charities which JG doesn't!