Two Oxford women will brave heavily land-mined trails on a charity cycle trip across South East Asia to raise money for Abingdon-based charity Against Breast Cancer.
Web designer Niki Peach, 39, and accounts assistant Karen Holliday, 43, will travel on two wheels from Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam to Angkor Wat in Cambodia, despite not even cycling as a hobby before.
The week-long, 525km challenge will take them from Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Vietnamese Saigon, through the rice-paddies and waterways of the Mekong Delta into Cambodia finishing in the Royal Temples of Angkor Wat. The cycle route means encountering rolling hills, but the main challenge lies in the long, hot dusty days in the saddle as they cycle through these remote areas.
Niki said: “We both have three children and work full time and neither of us had ever biked more than a few miles before. Over the course of this year we have been training to make sure we are fit enough for the trip so we can keep up with our guide. Cambodia is still heavily land-mined so it is crucial we stay with our guide.
“My mum had breast cancer a few years ago and although she has recovered fully it brought home to me how important the research is in finding a vaccine, especially as I worry for the future of my three children who are all girls. I first saw the challenge advertised in a magazine and mentioned it to Karen who said she would love to do it with me. Before I knew it we had booked and paid for the trip.”
Despite being physically fit and often running marathons, Karen is shocked by the preparation for the week long trip.
“This year I have done lots of biking in preparation as well as keep up with my running which has been pretty gruelling, but I suppose it means if I get a puncture I can at least run and catch up with everyone," she said. "Our most important possessions will be large super-padded shorts and creams for sores. Any time I lose motivation I just keep thinking of the reason we are doing this, to help fund research in breast cancer to increase survival after diagnosis.”
Both Niki and Karen are paying £2,000 each for the full cost of the trip themselves, which means that all the money they raise in sponsorship will go directly to Against Breast Cancer. Against Breast Cancer funds pioneering research by scientists at University College London, seeking a vaccine.
Niki said: “We have set our target at £4,000, which will help support this charity and help them carry on their valuable research. We would be grateful for any sponsorship and every donation will make a difference."
To sponsor the pair, visit www.bikeforbreastcancer.co.uk
Also undertaking the trip is Paul Franklin, 56, from Kidlington.
The retired police officer hopes to raise more than £3,000 for the Alzheimer's Society.
He said: "I decided to take part in this challenge for Alzheimer’s Society because my much missed satire suffered with Alzheimer’s and I know the effect dementia has on the victim and their family and friends. It’s great to think that I will be raising funds to help support people to live well with dementia today and fund research to find a cure for tomorrow."
Paul now works as a Proctors Officer for the University of Oxford and added: "Dad was a lovely man who had nine children and 26 grandchildren and is sadly missed by us all."
Jeremy Hughes, chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Society, said: "We are delighted that Paul is giving his time to support Alzheimer’s Society. One in three people over 65 will die with dementia. It is more than just memory loss, it robs people of their lives and has a devastating impact on families and loved ones. As a charity, we rely on the generosity of individuals like Paul to help us continue our vital work. Please back Paul in their fundraising efforts so that Alzheimer's Society can continue leading the fight against dementia."
To sponsor Paul, call 07870881497 or visit http://www.justgiving.com/paul-franklin1693
