A ride of a lifetime, but why did a London designer choose Home-Start?

In November Viv Birk a London- based designer (pictured left) will be heading off for the South American hills. His endurance levels will be tested to the limits as he cycles through Peru, down through the Andes mountain range to eventually end up at the bottom of the Amazon basin.

We spoke to Viv half way through his training to ask why he chose Home-Start as his charity.

There are so many worthy causes, so why choose Home-Start for your charity challenge?

I have been working closely with Home-Start for a number of years as a designer. So now I want to give something back to this really great charity which helps struggling parents give their children a better start in life.

How much money are you hoping to raise?

My target is £3,500, or more, which in theory should be a doddle... he says! My challenge is more than just a matter of physical exertion, my goal ahead is as much about fundraising, as getting fit and pushing myself to new limits. By participating in a charity challenge I will be pledging to raise as much money for Home-Start as possible.

How did you find out about Charity Challenge in the first place?

I bought a copy of the Big Issue and was browsing through it whilst stuck in a London traffic jam. I found myself staring in amazement at this ad saying "Challenge yourself to make a difference " so from this initial point I was hooked.

Your challenge includes a bike, Peru and the Amazon basin. Tell us more about it?

I have always dreamt of going to the Amazon; definitely not on a bike though! This challenge really does encompass all. We bike, we camp, we climb and decend the magnifcent Andes range at an altitude of 3,600m. We will get to view the spectacular sunrise and then decend into the cloud forest at Atalya.

Take us through what a typical day is going to be like for you when you get to Peru?

The first few days is to acclimatise to the altitude of Peru, with a guided tour of Machu Picchu. Once we start cycling I expect to be averaging about 65 kilometres per day, off road riding, stopping for lunch and setting up camp in the evenings. The days will be long with early starts. Each day will be different as the terrain will certainly get more difficult as we head over the Andes mountain range and into the Amazon basin.

When are you setting off and how long are you going for?

The expedition is planned for the 8th - 18th November, but I do plan to be there an extra few days to see the local sights and get a real flavour of this amazing country.

If people want to donate how do they go about it?

I have my own page set up on www.justgiving.com/vivbirk

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