Sponsor Andrew Freemantle to cycle 1,100 miles in aid of the RNLI memorial and garden.

Departing from Poole on 31 August, Andrew will cycle about 60 miles every day to make it to Rome by 23 September and ensure he is back at his desk in time for work the following week!

He says: ‘The RNLI has no single, public memorial at which to remember its volunteers from throughout the years, not even the 438 crew members who have died while saving lives at sea. I applaud the plan to create such a place.

‘The money given so generously to the RNLI for the provision of our lifesaving services cannot be used for this project. We have to raise the money independently.

‘I want to do my bit and intend to cycle from Poole to Rome during my 3 weeks of annual leave this September.

‘Your support would be very much appreciated and I hope that you will agree to sponsor me in this venture. Thank you.’

• Over £30,000 already pledged.
• 13/09/2007 - They group have cycled over 900 miles and have just arrived in Parma. The weather is perfect and they will be setting off again after lunch.
• 14/09/2007 - The CE and companions are on the outskirts of Bologna, enjoying a cappuccino, heading into the Tuscan hills.
• 19/09/2007 - Late afternoon the group were only 70 miles from Rome and are planning to take it at a gentle pace for the next couple of days.  They aim to be in Rome on Saturday.
• 22/09/2007 - Arrived in Rome about 4.30pm local time - see picture of Andrew in Rome