Hi all, some of you already know but some may not be aware…

I have made the brave/ridiculous/incredible (delete as appropriate…) decision to sign up for the 2023 Ride Africa, a 520km bike ride through Kenya's national parks taking part in November this year.

The adventure starts in Amboseli National Park, known for its epic elephant population and breath-taking views of Mount Kilimanjaro before cycling >100km per day through another two National Parks: Tsavo West and Tsavo East. We will then head eastwards to the Indian Ocean coastline and finish at the buzzing Indian Ocean city of Mombasa and as incredible as the sights look, I am still questioning if I have lost the plot in doing this!!

I have been told in no uncertain terms that the journey is going to be incredibly gruelling, very hot and full of uphill climbs, though I have been reassured we will finally kiss the tarmac on day 5 when travelling down to the coast to Mombasa (how reassuring that is supposed to be, I don’t know…).

The reason for undertaking this adventure is not simply to stare at Dumbo or pretend I’m in the Lion King, but to experience first-hand the amazing work that Child.org undertake on a daily basis to transform maternal care and child health outcomes in Kenya, learning how the charity arms Mothers with health information and education and connects them with local health services to make life-saving differences on a daily basis.

In order to undertake this journey, I will personally be spending several thousand pounds on the trip itself. In addition to this, I need to fundraise a further £1,800, every single penny of which will go directly to Child.org's life-saving work in maternal and child health care.

I understand that times are hard for us all right now and that every penny counts in our own daily lives, so each & every donation you can give to support this crazy journey is hugely welcomed and appreciated.

Thank you,

Roxy & Shakira (my bike – “This Ride’s For Africa”) x