TO those readers who know our faces from watching Emmerdale, a trip to Laos in South East Asia for Eric Pollard and Rachel Hughes may seem unlikely.

But that's exactly where we are both headed in February 2001. We're not going for a holiday, we're going to take part in The Big Bike Ride, a challenge event organised to raise funds for leading child care charity NCH Action For Children.

NCH Action For Children work in partnership to run 430 projects -- 42 of which are in the North West of England -- for Britain's most vulnerable children, young people and their families.

All money raised by this event will go to support those children and young people that need it the most, making a real difference to their lives.

Over the course of ten days we will be cycling 508 km through mountainous landscape and breathtaking scenery. It's not going to be easy, but Glenda knows from experience that for everyone taking part it will be the trip of a lifetime, at least until their next Big Bike Ride!

Glenda took part in NCH Action For Children's trip to Thailand last year and it was one of the most exhausting, exhilarating and exciting few days of her life.

The support from the other riders at the toughest moments was incredible and she'll never forget the sense of achievement as she crossed the finishing line.

Although challenging, the Big Bike Ride is not just for dedicated cyclists, it's achievable if you are willing to get fit while you're fund-raising. Chris usually keeps fit by long distance running, something he's only just taken up as it's incorporated in his triathlons, and he enjoys it tremendously. If cycling isn't your thing, then NCH Action For Children has a whole range of exciting activity events that help to support the work they do. You can choose from a French Ski Challenge, trekking up Mount Kilimanjaro or through China. Alternatively, if you'd rather stay closer to home, adventure is available on your doorstep with parachute jumps and abseiling, offered at a variety of locations all over the UK.

So if you want to make a difference to your own life and the lives of some of Britain's most vulnerable children, young people and their families, just call 0207 704 7136 to find out more about taking part in an NCH Action For Children activity fund-raising event.

Glenda McKay & Chris Chittell