And the 2011 Pollicott Belles Cycle Challenge is....

The South Downs Way - another ancient route where we will ‘experience some of the finest countryside great views, attractive wildlife, visible prehistory, fine pubs and pretty villages.

The 160 kilometre (100 mile) South Downs Way follows the old routes and drove ways along the chalk escarpment and ridges of the South Downs, between Winchester, the first capital of England, and the white chalk cliffs of Eastbourne. It’s promising to be another Pollicott Belles classic event.

We have thought very long, and very hard, about our charity this year. Macmillan Cancer Support remains close to our hearts. We have all witnessed the wonderful care and advice their nurses have given to special friends. We know it’s a charity people are pleased and proud to support. We love our green T-Shirts and we very much like the fundraising team in Launton. And yet, though we will all personally continue to support Macmillan, we have decided to focus our joint energies this year on a charity that is close to home.

Why? Alex was the catalyst – she placed a leaflet on the table and told us about the man who had inspired her to think about supporting a local charity (more about him from Alex in a later blog).

And so, we have registered as fundraisers for Helen & Douglas House and we intend to raise £1000 for this fabulous local charity. We know it's going to be harder in many ways but we also know we can help to make a difference in difficult lives.

Coincidentally, I have supported Helen & Douglas House ever since I heard the founder - Sister Frances Dominica – telling her story and I was captivated by her (again another blog). Every Christmas Andy, Joe and I dress as Santa's and run round Oxford.  We even starred on their 2009 Christmas card. So it wasn't a difficult decision for me to support them some more. And, guess what Alex and Vicky will be roped in to do this year!!

Helen & Douglas House provide hospice care for children and young adults. They provide respite and end of life care for children and young adults with life-shortening conditions, as well as support and friendship for the whole family. On their website is a list of useful resources - I looked at it thinking it would have a logo and it's not that sort of resource - it's a list of other charities and support groups for parents dealing with the horror of a very ill child. That brought home to me just how fragile life is and how lucky we all are to be fit and healthy enough to do the things we do.

There is a marvellous story to tell about the work at the 2 houses and we will tell it as our blog unfolds. In the meantime we ask you all to support us through our training, fundraising events and the challenge itself and help us to raise £1000 once again.