A Coventry businessman, moved by the strength shown by a boy with complex needs at RNIB Rushton School and Children's Home, is embarking on a gruelling cycle ride across America.
65-year-old Doug Squires, who owns Squires Gear and Engineering and is president of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, began his trip from Los Angeles to Boston on Saturday 8 May 2010.
His 3,396-mile journey will take an incredible 49 days to complete. He hopes to raise £35,000 for RNIB Rushton's vital redevelopment.
Read Doug's blog
You can find out how he's getting on by following Doug's cycle trek across America - which features regular blog updates of his adventure.
Sponsor Doug
To sponsor Doug, log onto his JustGiving page, for a simple way to donate online. Or visit our Support Rushton page for other ways to get involved in Rushton's transformation.
Why Doug chose RNIB Rushton
"I went to an event to highlight the work taking place up at RNIB Rushton," said Doug. "A boy called Jack was presenting flowers to the mayor and it was such a huge effort for him.
"When you see a child having to stretch every sinew to perform a task like that, it does make you think. It was actually quite emotional and straight away I decided I wanted to do everything I could to help."
Mark Sanderson, Director of RNIB Rushton School and Children's Home, said: "We were delighted when we heard that Doug was undertaking this enormous challenge in aid of RNIB Rushton. It's an incredible challenge but I'm sure one that Doug will meet with passion and enthusiasm. We wish him the very best of luck."
"This will be my toughest ride yet"
Doug has been a keen cyclist for around 30 years since he realised his previous passion, hand-gliding, was too dangerous. He can be seen regularly pedalling around Coventry and Warwickshire and has upped his training for the event.
"I've cycled Land's End to John O'Groats in 59 hours, 59 minutes before and I have also scaled Kilimanjaro," he said. "But this will be my toughest ride yet.
"I am looking forward to it and I am training hard for it but I will just chip away a stage at a time.
"We'll be doing around 85 miles a day and I think there will be a bit of time to enjoy the scenery! There are a couple of stages through the desert that will be very hot and hard going.
"It's not a race. Completing the event and raising money for RNIB Rushton is the most important thing."