Intrepid solicitor Helen Watson is preparing to cycle almost 400 miles across Cuba’s toughest terrain to raise thousands of pounds for charity.

Helen, partner and head of employment law at Chester-based Aaron & Partners, will join 40 other women to spend five days cycling in sweltering conditions across Cuba in May.

Claire House Children’s Hospice on the Wirral and women’s cancer charity Women V Cancer will benefit from the endeavour, during which Helen and her fellow fundraisers will cycle for 12-13 hours each day.

The Cuban challenge comes two years after Helen, 39, cycled 200 miles from Rajasthan to Jaipur in India to raise funds for the two charities.

Helen, of Little Neston, is now in training for her challenge including running in several half marathons.

Helen, who regularly cycles along the Wirral Way and on a static bike at home to ensure she is in peak condition, said: “Whilst the cycle ride in India was tough, this next one is almost twice as long, with the temperature expected to be around 32 degrees.

“I think it will be a real eye-opener as we are not going along coastal tourist areas but rather inland where visitors don’t generally get to.”

Helen embarked on her fundraising efforts for Women V Cancer in memory of a close friend who died from cancer in 2011. She is also passionate about Claire House Children’s Hospice, where she is currently chair of trustees.

The charities will also benefit after a ball hosted recently by Aaron & Partners that raised �6,500 for Claire House and Women V Cancer.

To sponsor Helen online, go to her Just Giving page.

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