Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page and showing your support.

Well it has been a while since I set myself any sort of physical challenge, and cycling is definitely a new one on me so I figured why not...hopefully the stunning scenery will ease the aches and pains along the way!!

Maternity Worldwide is a UK based charity that works in developing countries to help women and girls access the high quality healthcare they need in order to give birth safely. They work with mothers who are in the greatest need and highest risk of dying during pregnancy or childbirth in sub-Saharan Africa.

I first learnt of Maternity Worldwide during my time at Uni whilst researching my International Perspectives module, within my midwifery degree. I have always felt strongly about empowering women and families and shared the charity's vision of a world in which all women and their babies can access safe and appropriate childbirth regardless of where in the world they live. Having just started out in my own career as a Midwife I strongly support this cause and am now more aware than ever of the importance of good maternal healthcare - something we truly take for granted here in the UK and developed world. As a result I became involved with the charity through regular volunteering as a member of their 'Brighton Fundraising Group', which I have undertaken now for almost 18 months; organising and supporting local events.

Having always had a 'draw' and interest in Africa myself and for many years wanting to go out and undertake some sort of volunteer project within the areas of poverty, it was a no-brainer for me to get involved with a charity which was already working there, and within the career area I have now chosen. I visited Malawi and Zambia in the summer of 2013 I can honestly say that once you visit Africa it really does leave quite an impression and stays very close to your heart wanting to do 'something'.

During our cycling challenge we will get the opportunity to stop and visit a current project in Zomba; one of the three poorest districts in Malawi, where 70% of the population falls below the national poverty line. Here Maternity Worldwide are working to improve maternal and newborn health through women's groups, health promotion and income generation programmes in 80 villages and training staff at local health centres. They work closely with local partners to increase skills and build capacity within existing healthcare facilities. This will be a chance for me to experience first-hand the work of UK volunteer midwives and public health professionals in a developing country.

Examples of what your donation/sponsorship and monies raised from this event could provide:

£1 - Antibiotics to prevent infection after childbirth

£15 - A safe birth for a mother

£50 - An emergency caesarean delivery

£80 - One month of midwifery training

£100 - Community health promotion sessions on maternal and newborn health

£120 - A bicycle so a healthcare worker can reach mothers in remote villages

£600 - An oxygen concentrator to help save a mother or baby's life

£1,400 - The salary of a midwife for 6 months

Anything that you feel able to donate in order to aid the work being done and support me on the ride will be hugely appreciated and really will go towards ensuring projects can continue and grow.

Many thanks for your support.

Claire x