The firm I work for has offices in Leeds and Manchester. During the past ten years, I have crossed the Pennines on a regular basis using a variety of different means of transport -- minibus, train, car. However, I have never done it using my own muscle-power.

On Friday 6 May, that will change. Along with 50 other colleagues (in varying states of fitness) I will be cycling from our Manchester office to our Leeds office. Some hardier souls will carry on from Leeds to our London office, arriving on Monday 9 May.

This is a more significant challenge than it might sound -- I am 48 and not especially fit, I have at least 15kg of excess weight to shift, and my bike is dusty through lack of use. But I will get there, because I am not doing it for myself.

Those of us based in the Manchester office will be cycling in aid of our office charity of the year: Francis House Children's Hospice.

Francis House in Didsbury provides end of life care for children and young adults in the North West with life limiting conditions, as well as providing home from home respite for these children and their families to receive professional care, support and friendship. All care is given free of charge.

If you would like to show your support by sponsoring me and the team, please sponsor us at http://justgiving.com/Emma-Flannagan1.