RIGHT TO PLAY RIDE CONTINUES

Computer games designer Tim Hull, after learning to ride just a year ago, is on his way around the world researching the games that people play and raising funds for the 'Right to Play' charity, which supports UNICEF's 'End Child Exploitation' campaign.

His journey through Europe and onto Africa continues on his Thunderbird not, as he recounts, without its ups and downs...

"I foolishly failed to check weather conditions before crossing the Alps between Milan and Briancon, where I subsequently slipped during my climb on fresh snow and came crashing down.  There were no broken bones, just a dent in my pride and a fear of snow-tipped mountains.  Weeks later I did hesitate at a crossroads, but figured the best way to overcome my fear was to try again, this time with the Pyrenees.

"Luckily there was just enough road clear of snow to allow me safe passge over the mountains between Montpellier and the idyllic Santa Pau, a beautifully protected volcanic region of Catalunya in Spain.  It was here where I found we could all learn a thing or two from the 250-year old game and tradition of Castellars, the art of human castle building.  The Catalan people came together from miles around to build human castles, as many as 10 people high.  Hundreds of folk of all ages participate, from the incredibly brave 6-year old summit climbing Liaxanetas to the veteran 60-year old stalwarts helping form La Pinya, the solid base fortification of the castle.  Although it happens rarely these castles can be fallible to collapse, so you can be sure the kinfolk work extra hard to stop little ones taking a premature bow!"

Since this report Tim has crossed the Straits of Gibralter and is now on his way on the African leg of his journey. 

If you want to make a donation to 'Right to Play' then visit http://www.unicef.org.uk/right-to-play or call 0208 693 8561