Partner Article

Director says yes to Cycle China challenge

A commercial director from Reading is taking on the challenge of a lifetime to cycle 450km across the Beijing province of China in aid of three cancer charities.

Dawnet McLaughlin, 41, who works at the Persimmon Homes Southern office in Camberley, saw the cycle challenge advertised in a magazine and was inspired to find out more.

She said: “Having seen the call for women to take part in the challenge to raise money for three cancer charities, I felt the time was right to put myself forward.

“I have close friends and family who have been affected by cancer and it means a lot to me to be able to do something significant to boost funds for these extremely worthy causes.”

Dawnet is not new to charity events and has completed 5km runs and even took part in the London to Brighton cycle ride. However that was 11 years ago and the last time she got on a bicycle before taking on this feat.

The Cycle China Challenge is organised by Women V Cancer, with funds split between Breast Cancer Care, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust and Ovarian Cancer Action.

Dawnet’s challenge will involve cycling 450km over five days and will include a visit to the Great Wall of China. To take part, she will need to raise more than £3,200 and is seeking support from friends, family, colleagues and her company’s supply chain.

In order to take on the lengthy challenge in September, Dawnet has already started a gruelling training regime.

She added: “The organisers arranged a meeting for everyone taking part to get together earlier this year. I started to have second thoughts about everything involved, but we were able to meet some of the people that have been helped by the three cancer charities. Their stories inspired us all and spurred us on to commit to the challenge.

“A few of the other women taking part live in the same area as me so we have started our training together and it helps that we have each other’s support. I am also getting help from NutritiousWorks, FastTrack Fit Camp and Elite Conditioning.

“I am quite anxious about the challenge but I have every faith that I can do it. I think it will be an amazing experience and I am delighted to be helping these charities and contributing to all of the fantastic work they do.”

Anyone wanting to support Dawnet can visit http://www.justgiving.com/Dawnet-McLaughlin.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Rosie Farmer .