A RESOLUTE retiree from Great Alne got back in the saddle for a 400km charity cycle ride.
Kay Mayne, 66, who lives at Great Alne Park, recently embarked on a once in lifetime challenge to cycle through Southeast Asia to raise funds for CARE International UK.
Kay has been involved with the charity Lendwithcare for seven years and the cycle challenge was an opportunity for her to explore Southeast Asia, as well as to get back into cycling.
As a keen explorer and having previously spent ‘grey gap years’ volunteering in Tanzania and New Zealand, Kay was keen to visit somewhere she hadn’t been before.
Travelling 400km of Southeast Asia by bike allowed her to explore less touristy parts of Cambodia, Thailand and Laos, and visit villages that she would not have access to by tour bus. During the trip, one of Kay’s highlights was getting the opportunity to meet entrepreneurs who have benefitted from loans via Lendwithcare.
Before this momentous challenge, Kay last cycled in 2005 when she competed in some triathlons culminating in a half Ironman. After suffering with arthritis and eventually having knee replacements in October 2021 and February 2022, Kay got into indoor cycling as a central part of her rehab, before getting back on an outdoor bike in February 2023 when the charity first advertised the bike ride and she was accepted to take part.
CARE International UK, works around the world to save lives, defeat poverty and achieve social justice. They put women and girls at the centre of their work, to help provide equal rights and opportunities. Lendwithcare, which is one aspect of the charity, brings together entrepreneurs in low-income countries with people that have the power to help them. The concept is a revolutionary way to help people to work their way out of poverty with dignity.
Kay surpassed her £3,330 fundraising target, raising a total of £3,569 so for Lendwithcare.
She said: “In Tanzania we learned so much about the power of micro loans to people (particularly women and guides) who have very little and who therefore are unable to access traditional bank loans. I am proud to have supported many entrepreneurs and see the benefits of my support in helping to change their lives for the better.
“I wanted to get back into cycling for several reasons but after seeing Lendwithcare advertise the challenge, it was a great incentive. I’m incredibly proud of surpassing my fundraising challenge and am grateful for the support of my fellow residents who have donated.”
