A MUM-OF-THREE is heading for the coast to raise money for a leukaemia charity.
Claire O’Brien, 45, has been training in Peckforton and Beeston to prepare for a muscle-burning ride from the east coast of England to the west.
Despite suffering a chronic blood disorder, for which she receives treatment at the Countess of Chester Hospital, Claire will take on the 150-mile trek in aid of Cure Leukaemia.
The Mid Cheshire woman, who started cycling just two years ago, will start the route in Whitehaven, taking on the peaks of the Lake District and the Pennines before crossing the finishing line in Sunderland.
She said: “I believe that cycling helps me to live with the disorder by keeping fit and healthy, and in giving me a positive outlook on life
“The event will take three days, and average about 50 miles per day, on our off-road bikes. We will be riding for 70% of the journey by road and 30% on trails. I hope that it will be a challenging and enjoyable weekend.
“The Coast to Coast Bike Challenge is without doubt a tough challenge, both mentally and physically, but will also be incredibly rewarding.
“It has a great team spirit, and brings so many different people together.
“I am paying for all my own expenses, so that every penny raised will go directly to Cure Leukaemia, so they can fund work in developing new and more effective treatments for leukaemia.”
Claire was diagnosed with thrombocythaemia, a condition which affects only two or three out of every 100,000 people.
In some cases the disorder is progressive, and it can occasionally evolve into acute myeloid leukaemia.
To sponsor her, visit www.justgiving.com/ClaireOBrien.
