Please note that £569 has already been raised and donated to the RAF Benevolent Fund. There was a glitch in my Just Giving page set up that does not now allow me to show the donations I have already received from:

** Shobha Earl ** Richard PW ** Tracey Dudman ** Michael PW ** Will & Amy ** Julia & Steve ** Robin & Elan ** Ray & Grainne Triccas ** Tony Triccas ** Thorn-Davis Family ** Ronnie Smith ** Paula Cox ** Jeannie Beha ** Cathy Roberts ** Tara Charlie & Miles Johnson **

Thank you all for your donations and for helping me with my motivation to succeed!

So on to my story……. I am not getting any younger and I have therefore set myself a personal challenge of cycling 450km over 7 days, starting off in Vietnam and ending up in Cambodia.

Those of you that know me will know that I am not a natural athlete and therefore this challenge is going to be a significant commitment to build up to the level of fitness required to complete it…and of course, I am at the stage in life where age related body issues are never far away! Before I shared my news, I thought I better try a few rides to make sure that I could even still remember to ride a bike and funny old thing….it was just like riding a bike!! 😊

As I am unlikely to do anything like this again, I thought I would take the opportunity to reach out to my family and friends to support me in my venture; I will therefore be undertaking this cycle challenge to raise funds for the RAF Benevolent Fund. The RAF really is my extended family; I have served for over 36 years (and still serving as a reservist) and, as my father also served a similar amount of time, I was literally born into the RAF and have never left! I am self-funding the trip so 100% of the money I raise will go towards the RAF Benevolent Fund and their good causes.

You will wish to know that the RAF Benevolent Fund provides a range of support aimed at serving and former RAF personnel and their dependants. This includes welfare breaks, grants to help with financial difficulty and getting about inside and outside the home, specialist advice on benefits and support with care needs as well as support for young people through their ‘Airplay’ programme.

I am very excited to be undertaking this challenge and I have surprised myself at how much I am enjoying the training so far… I am not going to break any records but hopefully my purpose, determination and stamina will help me along. If you are able to support me in my venture and contribute to my fundraising efforts I, and the RAF Benevolent Fund, will be very grateful.

Many thanks for taking the time to read my story and visit my fundraising page.

Best wishes, Trish xxx