We’re Tori Williams and Vanessa Ruck and we’re heading to Turkey with our toddlers, Leo (aged 2) and Skyla (22 mths), for 25 days of bikepacking and embracing the unknown.

Together, we’re raising money for Leukaemia UK in memory of Tori’s mum, Wendy. This is an adventure we’re sharing, with a deeply personal story at its heart.

Tori's Mum:

"In 2000, my Mum, Wendy, died of Leukaemia. I was just 10 years old and my little brother 9.

26 years on and now I’m a Mum myself, and I’m almost at the age my Mum was when she passed away (39). Without a doubt loosing her so young shaped mine and my brothers life in ways we could never have imagined. Mum, was a go getter in life, she took every opportunity that came her way and I know she’d be our biggest support in this crazy adventure.

Over the last 25 years I’ve raised money for Leukaemia UK on several occasions, the first time at just 12 years old. But, its never felt more important than now to raise money for Leukaemia UK again, through this huge adventure with my little boy.

My reasons are incredibly personal. I watched my mum fight Leukaemia for so long, and then lose her battle. And, as a nurse with a long background in Intensive Care, and most recently in Haematology, I’ve treated patients with Leukaemia and other Blood Cancers. This isn’t just a part of my everyday work life, it’s a cause that’s very close to my heart."

Why Leukaemia UK?

By fundraising through this adventure, we will be helping to support vital research into kinder, more effective treatments for Leukaemia. These are treatments that reduce toxic side effects, improve quality of life, and bring us closer to a future where Leukaemia is no longer a devastating diagnosis.

Help us keep one more parent here to watch their babies grow up, or one more precious child from suffering - Leukaemia is the most common childhood cancer in the UK, accounting for around 3 in 10 diagnoses.

Every donation, however small, helps fewer families go through what mine did.

The Adventure:

20 riding days | 1,000km+ | 21,000m+ of climbing | 38% unpaved

Despite the stats, this isn’t an endurance challenge. It’s an adventure at a child-friendly pace, with two toddlers who’ve loved riding on their Mums bikes from before they could walk.

We’ve Planned Our Own Route:

Leg 1: From Fethiye along the Lycian Coast to Antalya, then inland to Beyşehir Lake.

Then a vehicle transfer to skip roads that aren’t safe to ride.

Leg 2: From Lake Tuz to Cappadocia’s Göreme National Park, then south to the coast near Mersin.

We’ll be riding e-bikes and carrying camping gear. There will be a motorhome on the ground in Turkey as our support vehicle and alongside that we have sponsorship from 14 brands who are making this trip possible. Between them they are supplying us with; bikes, bike trailers, child seats, camping gear, riding gear, luggage, eSIMs, navigation tools, communication systems, power banks, and food. All of this support is thanks to Vanessa’s hard work and professional connections.

Meet the Mum's

Tori Williams:

"To some this trip might seem a little crazy, but I'm my mothers daughter and loosing her gave me all the more reason to chase my dreams and push beyond what I think is possible. To find a new version of my old self after becoming a mum. To raise adventurous children who think big and live with joy. And to honour my mum, so Leo grows up knowing her story and why we ride."

Vanessa Ruck (otherwise known as The Girl On A Bike):

"For me, this adventure is about showing that motherhood doesn’t mean adventure has to stop — it just means adventure looks different.

A cycling accident changed my body and the future I’d imagined. Seven surgeries later, chronic pain is still part of every day. Now I’m getting back on a bike to explore Turkey with my daughter. If you’ve ever had to rebuild your life after something you didn’t choose, you’ll know how hard it can be to trust your body again, make plans or recognise yourself. I want to show that you can start small, adapt, accept help and still fight for the things that make you feel alive.

I hope our journey encourages anyone whose life has changed through injury, illness or becoming a parent to believe there are still adventures ahead.

Sharing this with Tori, helping her honour her mum while we make memories with our own children, makes it even more meaningful. Together, we’re chasing dreams and raising hope. 💛"

Follow The Journey Here

Tori’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/im.toriwilliams/

Vanessa's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGirlOnABike/

Vanessa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegirlonabike/

Vanessa's Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thegirlonabike

Vanessa’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheGirlOnABike

If you can donate, thank you so much. You can also support us by following the adventure, commenting on our posts and sharing our content with your friends. Every bit of encouragement and every share helps us reach more people and spread the word about why we’re riding. 💛

Thank you for being part of it and for all of your support 💛