Hospice launches major South Asia cycle fundraiser – find out how you can take part this week!

As intrepid fundraisers gear up to walk the Great Wall of China this autumn in aid of a local hospice, plans are already underway for another breathtaking overseas challenge in 2019.

Nightingale House Hospice is launching its Vietnam to Cambodia cycle challenge to take place in November next year, a journey of up to 250 miles from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap.

Those interested in taking part are invited to an information evening on Wednesday at the Wrexham hospice’s Caffi Cwtch.

The ten-day journey, from 16 -26 November 2019, will take in the sights of Ho Chi Minh City to the tranquillity of Angkor Wat in one of the best journeys in the world.

Those taking part will cycle through the bustling coconut groves and thriving river communities at the heart of the Mekong Delta with its stilted villages. Also along the route will be the mysterious temples of Angkor, ancient Khmer relics of a vanished culture nestled in amongst the sugar palm trees.

There will be many other magical sights on the challenge which will showcase the best of South Asia and at the same time help raise vital funds for the hospice.

Paul Ffoulkes, 54 from Wrexham, who has worked for Barclays Bank for 36 years, has already signed up for the challenge. His wife Katrina will be heading to China to walk on the Great Wall for the hospice this October and now Paul is looking forward to a challenge of his own next year.

He said: “I am getting quite jealous of Katrina heading off to China and Ho Chi Min City and Angkor Wat have been on my bucket list for a long time. I enjoy cycling and have previously cycled Ride London twice and from London to Paris to raise funds for the hospice.

“My wife lost her best friend to cancer a few years ago and she spent time at Nightingale House. My uncle was also a patient at the hospice so I regularly try to fundraise in support and also we at Barclays are fortunate to be able to draw down some match funding from the bank.

“It promises to be a fantastic challenge and I am really looking forward to it.”

Sue Andrews, a volunteer in the hospice’s Caffi Cwtch is taking on the China Challenge this year with her daughter Alissa and is also gearing up for next year’s cycle challenge with her partner

Hospice Corporate Partnerships Manager Debbie Barton added: “The Vietnam to Cambodia cycle will be a really exciting fundraising adventure and we can’t wait to get started preparing for it.

“Lots of people have very personal reasons for doing such a challenge while others just like a challenge in itself. Anyone who has been to Vietnam and Cambodia will know how incredible these countries are so this is a great opportunity to see them while doing something amazing for others too.

“For anyone who enjoys cycling this will be an incredible experience, making memories that will last a lifetime.”

To find out more, anyone interested in taking part is invited to a no obligation information evening at 6pm on Wednesday October 3rd at the Wrexham hospice’s Caffi Cwtch on Chester Road in Wrexham.

For more information contact Debbie Barton or Del Underwood in the hospice fundraising office on 01978 314292.