From Keith Hopkins (In case anyone is interested in the origins of the Group, and the idea behind it.)

Myself and Judith, my wife, first had the idea of following in Ewan McGregor's and Charley Boorman's footsteps (or some of them, anyway), after watching their DVD "The Long Way Round".  The plight of the children in The Ukraine really touched us, and as it was a country that was relatively accessible, we decided to give it a go.

We thought that if we could get 20 people to take part, each raising £1,000, we would have a considerable sum to donate to this Unicef-supported charity.  We advertised in local press/publications around surrounding areas and interest grew.  We formed a Committee and asked Tony Jefferies - former Triumph racer and T.T. winner - to be our patron.  Tony understands what motorcycling is all about and, now being paraplegic after a motorcycle racing accident, also undetrstands the problems of having a disability.

We embarked on a vigorous fund-raising campaign - in which we were helped enormously by Unicef U.K. in general and Lyndsey Burgess (U.K. Unicef fund-raising for The Ukraine) in particular.  We were also given a lot of support by The Long Way Round team, who donated signed books, DVD's, etc. for auction.  We eventually raised over £40,000 - a huge sum in The Ukraine.  This enabled us to help not only the children in Kiev and their sister-project in the surrounding countryside, but other children' charities, such as one for children with HIV.  (In fact, there's a small mining community somewhere in The Ukraine who were so grateful that they had not been forgotten that they put up a plaque with all our names on it!!).  We visited the two projects in and around Kiev, and were all very touched by what we saw.  A reception was given for us in the Ministry for Emergencies in Kiev - which was broadcast on television - on our last day in the capital.

After our return, we all got together at Chris's house; this rounded off our venture nicely - especially as we presented everyone with a copy of "The Long Way Round" book, each one having been signed by Charley (Judith had contacted Lyndsey and, along with the co-operation of The Long Way Round team, they cooked this up together!!).

We were subsequently invited back - hence this year's trip.  Our grouip, having a few more days to spare than last time) are setting off on Wednesday, 11th June - a few days earlier than the other group and travelling a different route.  However, we are all aiming for the same thing and are to meet up to travel into Kiev together.  All members of our group went on the first trip in 2006, but as some of those who took part then cannot make it this year, the other group has some new members.  We hope they all enjoy it as much as we did.