Josefine's North Coast 500 cycle challenge
Emilia Bjorkqvist is raising money for University of Aberdeen Development Trust SCIO
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In May 2018 a team of us are riding the North Coast 500 to raise money for the University of Aberdeen's world-class centre for cancer research. This is part of a £4.5 million fundraising appeal to accelerate vital research to improve how cancer is diagnosed and treated - and critically, how it can be prevented.
This research programme will also enable more cancer patients in the North of Scotland to take part in clinical trials - giving access to the latest drugs and therapies - and will help attract the very best researchers, doctors, surgeons and healthcare staff to Aberdeen.
From 19-27 May, I will be joining Professor Steve Heys (breast cancer surgeon and leader of the cancer research programme) and 20 University colleagues to cycle the North Coast 500. We'll be cycling 516 miles around the North of Scotland, including the infamous Bealach na Ba - the UK's steepest road climb.
I first started cycling to work in August 2016 to build more activity into my day but this will be my very first cycling challenge. I'll be building up the miles each week to prepare for the grueling task of cycling 50-70 miles per day for nine consecutive days. It's hard to say what will be the toughest challenge - the hilly route or cycling non-stop in the wind and rain.
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The only way to improve cancer prevention, diagnostics and treatment is by investing in medical research so please support this important cause by donating now.