London to Paris cycle set to raise key funds for charity

A woman is taking on an international cycling challenge to support a charity.

Karen Nash, who lives in Charlton, is set to cycle 315 miles from London to Paris and is training hard in preparation. The challenge, which will take place on Wednesday, July 24, will be supporting ‘Samuel’s Charity’.

Karen said: “When I lost my best friend to cancer almost three years ago, I decided to buy a bike and start cycling for a charity. I saw the wonderful job that the nurses were trying to perform in some very difficult hospital conditions. I had only been cycling for a few months, when a friend saw that Samuel’s Charity were looking for people to take part in Ride London. Before I knew it I was signed up and part of the team.

“I joined my local cycle club and began the five months training before taking part in Ride London last July, on the only wet and windy day of the summer! The club that I ride with, Chichester City Riders, have helped me so much with my training. Without their help especially getting me up the hills I wouldn’t have been nearly as fit as I am!

“Since then I have lost several family members to the same disease which has encouraged me even more to get fitter, eat healthily and carry on riding for Samuel’s Charity. Samuel Leib, at the age of nine, was diagnosed with a very rare cancer in September 2013. He started this charity while in hospital, because he knew too well the pain, loneliness and fear the other kids were going through. Sadly five months later Samuel lost his fight for life. Martin, Samuel’s father, has continued the charity by asking people like myself to take part in sporting events, from half marathons, tough mudders, open water swims and cycle events. The aim of the charity is to help thousands of children like Samuel, across the UK through the awful time of serious or terminal illness or injury. The charity help by providing pain reducing and essential equipment the NHS cannot afford, ward redecoration and improvement, toys, games, X-boxes, TVS, free WIFI, improved food quality and fulfilling ward and parent wish lists.

“I think about my best friend, Claire and Samuel every time I get on my bike, and this spurs me on to climb even the toughest of hills.”

To find out more, or to support Karen in her challenge, visit www. totalgiving.co.uk/mypage/ karens100milesofmadness.