Designer to cycle across Cuba for cancer charity challenge

Amanda is part of a group of women tackling the challenge, and will join a team of cyclists riding through Cuba to support the work of three charities: Breast Cancer Care, Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust and Ovarian Cancer Action. A donation will also be made to support cancer care in Cuba. "These cancers are close to a lot of people's hearts. Most people know somebody who has been or who may well be affected by one of them. We've all got mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends. It could affect any one of us at any time," she said. Amanda will be cycling from 21 to 29 October 2013, travelling around 400 kilometres over five days – both on and off road – and experiencing rural Cuba away from the usual tourist trails. Amanda added: "I took up cycling to take part in the first Women V Cancer challenge in February this year, cycling 400 kilometres through the Rift Valley in Kenya. It wasn't easy – tarmac full of large potholes, extremely hilly and temperatures reaching the mid 30s. A lot of the women cyclists were themselves cancer survivors and incredibly inspirational. This challenge raised £1.6 million for the cancer charities, and we donated clothing, games, writing and drawing equipment to several schools along our route; the smiles this bought about were heart-warming." As well as training hard, Amanda needs to raise a minimum of £2,900 to support the work of the Women V Cancer charities, and is asking companies to help her reach that target. She is paying her own costs so a donation goes directly to the charities. To pledge your support for Amanda, either post your sponsorship made payable to Women V Cancer, to Amanda Cox Jewellery, PO Box 68, Hebden Bridge, HX7 7WB, or telephone her on 01422 842 446. Alternatively, you can make an online donation at: www.justgiving.com/amanda-cyclecuba For further information about the Women V Cancer visit www.actionforcharity.co.uk or telephone Action for Charity on 0845 408 2698 or 01590 677 854.