A mum is preparing to take on the challenge of her life cycling around Tanzania in memory of loved ones she has lost to cancer.
Gill Phillips-Cowley, 42, of Greenway Close in Helsby, will jet off to the East African country on October 9 to cycle a whopping 350km route which will take in the base of Kilimanjaro, two safari parks and local villages.
She will be part of a 100-strong contingent of women who are raising money for Breast Cancer Care, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust and Ovarian Cancer Action.
Gill, who works in the credit control department of an environmental consultancy, signed up for the trip after spotting an ad in a fitness magazine.
“I have always wanted to do this but every year there have been reasons why I couldn’t, so when the opportunity came about I had no excuses this time,” she said.
Causes close to her heart
“It’s close to my heart as I have family members who have died of breast cancer and many friends whose family members have also died from this dreadful disease.
“I’d like to think that I am doing a small part to help in funding charities that provide care for people who are going through difficult times.”
Mum to a 12-year-old and a 13-year-old, Gill is hoping to cover between 50 and 60 miles per day over seven days.
She has already raised more than £3,000 of her £4,000 target and wants to thank her friends and colleagues, without whom she says she would not have raised so much.
Gill has been busy preparing for the physically-demanding challenge by boxing, going to spin classes and doing circuits.
“I’m no expert at cycling, it’s just a hobby so I’m doing something I’ve always wanted to do and at the same time raising money for amazing charities,” she added.
“I could have just booked a cycling holiday, but no, let’s do this properly.”
To sponsor Gill, visit www.justgiving.com/gill-cowley1.
