Daily Mail Crime Editor on epic bike ride to raise money for police survivors

Over nine days from September 13th 2007, Stephen and five officers - four from the Met and one from Lothian and Borders - will cycle nearly 700 miles on the notoriously hilly 'Route One' coastal road from San Francisco to San Diego.

The ride - in aid of two charities COPS Care of Police Survivors and the Prince's Trust has attracted messages of support from the Prince of Wales and relatives of murdered police officers.

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The Daily Mail has underwritten the majority of the costs to help the group maximise the proceeds.

Met Detective Inspector Paul Settle, who along with Stephen was the brainchild of the 'West Coast Challenge', said: "The aim is to raise as much money as possible both before and during the ride.

"We as a group have agreed that any sponsorship money raised goes directly to the charities, thus all other expenses associated with the challenge are being picked up by the individuals or through generous donations.

"We are aiming to raise £50,000."

COPS is a charity dedicated to helping the families of police officers who have been killed in the line of duty.

Already this year two officers, PCs Richard Gray and Jon Henry, have been murdered on duty while dealing with seemingly routine incidents.

The Prince's Trust helps young people who often need nothing more than a little support and belief to give them a second chance and help them realise their goals.

It works with 14-30 years who have struggled at school, have been in care, are long-term unemployed or who have been in trouble with the law.

Retired Met chief supt Sidney Mackay, father of PC Nina Mackay who was stabbed to death on duty in East London in October 1997, said:

"The COPS charity provides continuing support to the relatives, friends and colleagues of police officers killed in the line of duty.

"Long after the headlines and publicity have been forgotten and life appears to resume a normality to the outside world, the grief and despair of the loss of their loved one goes on for friends and relatives.

"At this difficult time, COPS is there to give help and support when it is most needed. The sponsored ride in the USA is worthy of all our support so please give as much as you can and help them reach their target of £50,000."

The cyclists are being joined by five officers who will act as support crew and help raise money along the route.

Among them is Glen Smyth, chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation, who said: "Over the last ten years I have been to the funeral of virtually every police officer who has been murdered whilst protecting the people of this country.

"This fundraising trip is a fantastic way of showing their children, husbands and wives that we really care.

"The Prince's Trust helps youngsters from difficult or under-privileged backgrounds who may otherwise have drifted into crime. It literally transforms their lives."

• A spokesman for Evans Cycles, which has donated equipment and pre-departure servicing for the ride, said: "Hopefully the riders will be in as good condition as their bikes for the long days in the saddle.

Don't forget to pack the padded shorts and plenty of sunscreen!"

SPONSORSHIP

To become a sponsor, go to: www.justgiving.com/westcoastchallenge2

BLOG

I will be filing a daily blog once my journey starts. You will be able to find it at www.dailymail.co.uk/wright