John, from Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, who worked for the Bank of England for 25 years will set off from London in June and aims to finish within four days. 
Speaking in advance of his intrepid adventure John said:

“I’m very much looking forward to it. This is quite a daunting prospect but I feel up for it, especially as I will be raising vital funds for the Variety Club which does a tremendous job in helping disabled and disadvantaged children.  I feel proud to be doing my little bit to help. I am co-chairman of Variety’s Easy Riders wheelchair Programme and see first hand the direct and tangible support that Variety Club provides.  In 2007 186 wheelchairs were provided to children alone.  To support me, please visit www.justgiving.com/johntunstall.”

John has negotiated a deal with the race organisers so that he pays all admin costs incurred to participate in the London to Paris ride.  This will ensure all the donations go direct to the Variety Club.  Norman Kaphan, Variety Club’s Chief Barker said:

“I have known John for a number of years and his commitment to Variety Club is a testament to his good character and his commitment to give something back to disadvantaged children.  All of us at the Variety Club wish John all the very best in his cycling endeavors.”

The route itself is impressive, and John is prepared (last year he cycled for the Princes Trust from Buckingham Palace to Windsor Palace). Starting off in Greenwich, London at 6.30am, and John along with 130 other participants will cycle down to Dover, where participants will be treated to a welcome break on the ferry. Then it’s the hard graft through the idyllic towns of France, ending up beneath L’Arc De Triumph.

How he started

John previously work at the Bank of England for 25 years, and commenting on why he chose to participate in this incredibly tough challenge, he answered with a small chuckle, ‘the city is in my blood’, proof that you can’t put a good man down. Whilst working at the Bank of England, John began working for Age Link, a charity which acts as a community resource for the elderly who become isolated and house-bound. It was here that by chance he won a ticket in a raffle to attend a charity dinner for the Variety Club dinner. Now at 68, John has become co-chairman of Variety’s Easy Riders wheelchair Programme, which aims to improve the lives for children at The Variety Club.

The Variety Club

The Variety Club is a children’s charity that supports sick, disabled and disadvantaged children throughout the UK.

.  Variety Club provides support to children by:

.     Giving Sunshine Coaches to schools with disabled pupils, children’s hospitals and hospices and to many other types of organisations. 101 coaches were provided throughout 2007

.     Providing wheelchairs, mobility aids and other equipment to disabled children. 186 Wheelchairs were provided to children in 2007.

.     Providing funding and equipment to hospitals and hospices that treat sick children.

.     The Variety Club Children's Nursing Awards funds training to help paediatric nurses to further their professional development and continue to care for sick children.

.     Organising "Variety at Work" days for children across the country taking children on a range of fun and educational visits and running a Toy Fund which sends over 25,000 gifts, games and toys to children who      may otherwise receive no presents


To enable Variety Club to continue its vital work in the community, The Variety Club needs supporters and friends.  If you want to support Variety, please become a ‘Friend of Variety’ and contact The Friends Team on 020 7 428 8100, visit www.varietyclub.org.uk or email info@varietyclub.org.uk. We at FX&MM wish all the best for John, good luck!