Trio to tackle 400km cycle

JENNA THOMPSON

THREE women will be taking the challenge in December of cycling through China to raise funds for Oxfam Australia.

While doing research into drug trials in third world countries for uni, mature age student Sue Leppan stumbled across the Oxfam website and something caught her eye.

“I saw on their site a link that said ‘take the challenge’ and I thought I’d give it a go,” Ms Leppan said.

“I’m also a big fan of Oxfam because only 7 per cent of what they raise goes towards administration and the rest goes towards all their projects.”

The challenge will involve cycling in the Yunnan Province in China over seven days, riding 400km on rough roads in high altitudes – up to 3300m above sea level – in order to raise money for Oxfam Australia.

“In order to get to China, you have to raise at least $5500 to be eligible to go,” Ms Leppan said.

“We’ve decided to pay the trip costs ourselves so everything we fundraise will go to Oxfam.”

Also going will be Sandy Evans and Leesa Swan.

Ms Leppan said training for the big ride had been somewhat interesting.

“Sandy has an indoor bike, Lisa just runs around with her kids, so that’s exercise enough, and I try to do 60km a week around Gerringong and Gerroa, which is quite hilly, so I get my training there,” she said.

Ms Leppan said their target amount would be $15,000 and they were confident they would make it.

“Our kids are the greatest sales people, taking some chocolates in to work and selling them,” she said.

Upcoming fundraiser events will include a Havana Night at Gerringong Town Hall on Saturday, September 6, and a Family and Fun Bike Ride around Lake Illawarra on Sunday, October 19, supported by Kiama Cycles and Sports.

Ms Leppan said the trio had already got a few donations directly to the Oxfam website.

“We’re enormously grateful for local businesses rising to the challenge of supporting us,” she said.

For more information or to donate visit the Oxfam website www.oxfam.org.au or call Ms Leppan on 0418 461 556.