Channel 4 News presenter and avid cyclist Jon Snow is urging people to saddle up and join a midnight cycling fundraiser for technology charity Practical Action.

Nightrider is a 100km cycling challenge which involves 3,000 cyclists taking in the sights of central London by night, leaving from Alexandra Palace at midnight on June 9th.

Mr Snow is a keen cyclist and president of the UK’s National Cyclist’s Organisation. He is also a fan of E.F. Schumacher, the radical economist that founded Practical Action over 40 years ago – which led to his support of the Nightrider event.

International development charity Practical Action is hoping to raise around £40,000 from the event to support the charity’s work around the world.

Practical Action uses technology to help millions of people across the developing world support themselves out of poverty. Bikes are just one of the technologies that they use in Nepal. Here bikes can be used with trailers for transporting goods and also as bike ambulances, ensuring people can get the urgent medical attention they need.

Mr Snow said: “I would urge anyone that can ride a bike to get involved with this fantastic initiative. Not only will the funds raised go to support and empower some of the world’s poorest people, the event itself will be a truly unique experience.

“By signing up, people can help Practical Action continue their vitally important work and help people lift themselves out of poverty.”

Margaret Gardner, Practical Action Director added: “It’s great to be involved with such a unique event like Nightrider and greater still to have the support of Jon Snow. We hope that our cyclists will raise lots of money to support our projects and enjoy the opportunity to be part of something special.”

For more information please visit www.practicalaction.org/nightrider