I was born in Guildford on 12th December 1950

I have for a long time wanted to combine my passion for cycling with a worthwhile cause. Last year was going to be the year for the ‘long ride’.

I was at my home in Couze (near Bergerac in France) last June and July, building up the training miles to take on such an event. I then came back to England for the summer and on Monday 30th July, found myself in Basingstoke hospital having surgery for a heart attack that happened earlier that morning; no prior warning, a big surprise.

I was cycling nearly 100 miles a week in France and thought I was comparatively fit. In fact I was. The surgeon explained that most of the problems I had were hereditary.

After six weeks recuperation at home, I began a rehabilitation programme in Alton, called Heart Rehab. The scheme was set up in 1976 by a well known local doctor, Mr Hugh Bethel, This programme has given many people like me a second chance at life.

My destination is Antequera in southern Spain.

No particular reason for this destination, other than I have several friends who moved a few years ago to this area of Spain.

It is a town in the mountains near the coast of Southern Spain, one of the famous ‘white villages’, well known for it’s churches and the magnificent, historic bull-fighting arena which will be my finish point.

I intend to tackle the journey in two stages, as it is approximately 2300 kilometres.

For more information please visit his website - www.altonantequeraappeal.com