Meet Dominic Heaney, a consultant neurologist at The National Hospital. He is taking on an extreme cycle challenge for us − renting a Santander Hire Bike, travelling to France, cycling up Alpe d'Huez, travelling back to London and then returning the bike back to its docking station − all within 24 hours! He's doing this to raise money for The National Brain Appeal and Stroke Association.

Alpe D’Huez is well known as one of the trickiest sections on the Tour de France, with its 13.8km of wriggling turns up a steep gradient. The race up these 21 hairpin bends will be a real test of stamina on a heavy, three-gear rental bike.

A team of 10 cyclists will be taking on this challenge on 28 April 2016 and Dominic is attempting to raise £5,000. Please delve deep to support this incredibly tough challenge and help raise essential funds for The National Hospital. You can donate on Dominic’s Virgin Money page; text HUEZ16 £5 to 70070 to donate, or call us on 020 3448 2724. Thank you!

There are so many ways you can make a real difference to the money we raise for those with neurological conditions − and some of them won't even cost you a penny. One idea is to ask your employer if they have a charity partnership scheme and nominate The National Brain Appeal. Large employers will often 'adopt a charity' for a year, and the charity benefits from staff support and fundraising. These schemes make a huge difference to our annual income and the work we can do.

Many companies throughout the UK offer you, as an employee, the chance to boost your fundraising efforts by 'matching' the money you raise. So whether you take on a physical challenge or hold a simple bake sale at work, it really is extra money for nothing!

Your employer may also consider donating a 'prize' to the charity. We often hold raffles or auctions, and these prizes can help us raise hundreds of pounds. It can be anything from products and vouchers to an experience. Please ask if you think your workplace might be able to support us in any way!

Have a great time while helping others:

Eat cake
The Cooking4Charity Easter Bake Sale is taking place in The National Hospital tomorrow (22 March). Pre-order your Easter Simnel cake (£10 for 8in/ £5 for 4in) today and collect it from the stall – or pop along on the day and choose from a range of goodies such jams, chutneys, loaves and cakes.

Dance at a gig
Come along to our annual charity gig on 28 April. The Rhythm & Blues Brotherwill be headlining. Tickets: £10/£5 students at Richard Mully’s Basement Bar, UCL Student Union, 136 Gower Street, London WC1E 6BP.

Have a laugh
We are holding our first-ever Comedy Gala at the Backyard Comedy Club in Bethnal Green on 15 June. The line-up includes Mike Gunn, Jeff Innocent and Zoe Lyons. Come and join us for a night of fun, laughter and fundraising, and a chance to win some great prizes in our raffle at the end of the show. Tickets cost £15/£18 on the door.

For more events, personal stories and how you can get involved, please visit nationalbrainappeal.org, or follow us on Twitter @brainappeal and Facebook at fb/TheNationalBrainAppeal

Theresa, Marcelle, Brooke, Laura, Cara, Louise, Leigh and Tina