The Big Issue Foundation has launched an appeal for a bike to enable one of the magazine’s vendors to take part in its London-Amsterdam Cycle Challenge and raise funds to help homeless and vulnerably housed people.

Pat, who oversees the Big Issue distribution point at Oxford Circus in London’s West End, had initially aimed to undertake the 150-mile ride between the British and Dutch capitals last year but he did not manage to find a bike to enable him to train for it.

He now plans to participate with Team TBIF on this year’s ride, which begins on Saturday 17 September from the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, but he still needs a bike to get those training miles in.

If you, or anyone you know, can help Pat out, please email events@bigissue.com – and if you want to take part in the challenge yourself, full details including how to enter are here.