I am taking part in this Woman to Woman Cycle Challenge in March 2012 Central America including Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua. Helping to raise awareness and support  for the fantastic work that Lord Professor Robert Winston and his team from Genesis Research Trust carry out.

Ovarian cancer, miscarriage, genetic diseases, stillbirth, polycystic ovary syndrome, pre-eclampsia, infertility, obstetric cholestasis and brain damage are all diseases and conditions that leading scientists funded by the Genesis Research Trust are working to prevent.

With nearly 250 babies dying every week in the UK from complications during pregnancy, the work of the charity has never been so essential for women and babies nationwide

Those who know me well, will understand that cycling across Central America (approx 450km), through Countries like Panama, Costa Rica and Nicaragua, is going to be an amazing physical challenge for me, as exercise is not one of my main past times, however my training has started with various bike rides, exercises and motivation from my friends.

 I am already finding out what I have let myself in for; to date I have fallen off twice, including into a lot of wet bracken!! (balance practice under way!!) I am trying to get down to the gym on a regular basis (again for those who know me, this is a challenge in itself! so much so, my local gym at the Malden Centre has given me free membership to motivate me in my plight! - so no excuse for me not to visit!). I am getting aquainted with muscles in my body I never knew  existed!  but I am prepared to go through aches and pains as I know it will be worth it in the end for the women and their families associated with what this charity represents.

 

I realised how relevant it was for me to take part and help raise much needed funds for this research. There is personal relevance in that we have a genetic condition within our family, but also I would like to further dedicate my commitment to this, to one of our family friends, Darren and Pauline Llewellyn who sadly lost their baby boy (James) seven and half months into pregnancy.  At this point they do not have any reason as to why this happened, therefore monies raised would be a great help to find out the answers and in turn help others not to go through a devastating and tragic experience like this.

UPDATE ON TRAINING

In addition to my normal training during the week, on October 15th/16th - my first official training weekend covering 28 miles on the Saturday which was very challenging, facing my first real  hills, long and often steep thatThe Chilterns had to offer. On the Sunday we rode for 24 miles, surprised myself for covering this mileage on two days running,  it was tough, my heart pounding, my face red as a beetroot, my legs like lead at times, but wow did I feel good at the end...A great eye opener of what I have to do for the next four months before we leave...Watch this space for more updates.

Training is still going well, slightly over did it on my first spinning class, but a fantastic session, a once a week event from now on..at least..Getting very familiar with Richmond and Bushey Park as well.

TOMBOLA/FACE PAINTING - October 2012 - Thank you to everyone who supported this event at Matalan in New Malden - Over £100 was raised.

QUIZ NIGHT - Jan 27th 2012 - Thank you all who came to the quiz night - Over £430 was raised, it was a great night. Really appreciate your support.

INFORMATION DAY

Recently we had an information day, held at the Research Centre based at Hammersmith Hospital. It was a great honour to meet Lord Professor Winston and his team. We had a very interesting talk in what is happening with their research. It was a very inspirational experience to be there, and felt so proud that I am a part of a group of woman taking part in this challenge. Your donations however small go a long way to help fund the important work that the scientists carry out. Also on this day we heard more about what we will doing on the trip......I really must find some tougher hills to practice on!! We will be pitching our own tents as well as digging our own holes at times for....well, I dont have to spell that one out as we will be going through some very remote places....

Thank you for visiting my page and really hope that you will support me.

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