Cyclists set off for charity challenge (From Watford Observer)

Good for them - hope the weather holds out, and that they raise much sponsorship for a great cause

Without wishing in any way to knock the splendid efforts of the cyclists, I find it somewhat ironic that this ride is taking place in order to help a children's home in India - a country that is coming under huge criticism for accepting millions in Western aid while at the same time ignoring the plight of its starving people in a mad desire to pursue a hugely expensive space programme.

Five thousand pounds is a trifling sum but the more naive people in this country continue to undertake such help the less the Indian government will be inclined to see sense and spend money on making this easier for their own people.

If I were Cameron I would end all aid to India tomorrow, but of course he won't. But, then, I would put an end to ALL overseas aid for three very solid reasons:

1) Very often it doesn't get to the people who actually need it but ends up in the pockets of corrupt dictators and officials.

2) It helps to prop up appalling, genocidal regimes in Africa and elsewhere in the world.

3) In the long run it doesn't help the countries it is routed to because all it does is create a dependency culture, just like the benefits culture here, and those countries, rather than helping themselves, simply come back with the begging bowl.

Surely there are lots of worthy charities in this country that could use £5,000 or have we forgotten the old adage that "charity begins at home"?

@Roy

I think you are missing the point of charity. Whilst the State should provide for the most needy in society, there will still be a place for private charitable giving.

Whatever your view on the UK foreign aid budget, it is not relevant to the r2r team or indeed anyone raising money for their own personal choice of charity.

As for your three points, they are not an issue here. The money goes directly to Udayan and is used effectively by those who work with the children there. It doesn't create a culture of dependency but actually gives a chance to those who would otherwise have been abandoned by society. Udayan is seeking to tackle the problems in India, not create a system in which people can't break free from poverty.

Maybe charity does begin at home, however who is to say domestic charities are not being supported at all and also who are we to say which charities people can and cannot donate to? Surely helping the poorest of the poor in society is the right thing to do, regardless of whether we love our neighbour in the UK or India?