PHYSIOTHERAPY assistant Kay Cunliffe is getting in shape for the cycle ride of her life next May when she travels 452 kilometres from the Great Wall of China to Tiananmen Square in aid of Mencap.
Kay will join a group of around 100 cyclists who will ride together through one of the world's most magnificent countries but first she has to raise £2,500.
The 'Oriental Cycle Ride' challenge over ten days will raise finds for Mencap's vital work supporting people with learning disabilities, their families and carers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
A former volunteer and part-time employee at Okehampton's Leaze Day Centre for people with learning disabilities, Kay's fundraising efforts will help provide life-changing opportunities for children and adults in education, employment, housing and leisure.
Kay, who is a keen walker and occasional leisure cyclist, has already started her training around the hills of Okehampton in preparation for her challenge of a lifetime.
She said the whole thing had been triggered by a poster about the bike ride she saw at work and the fact that some clients from The Leaze had been working on the hospital garden at the time.
'I just thought it was a really good idea and decided to go for it,' she said. 'It's about proving something to myself as well as helping others and getting an opportunity to see China.'
The group will pass through stunning landscapes and historic sights including the tombs of the Ming emperors and Fragant Hill Park, beginning and ending the challenge in bustling Beijing.
Over the next few months Kay has a number of fundraising events planned such as quizzes and coffee mornings and Darren Bostock of Okehampton Cycles is sponsoring her kit and equipment.
Darren said he admired Kay for having the guts to go for it.
'She is not a regular cyclist and has never done anything like this before so it is a pretty major undertaking,' he said.
Anyone who can help Kay raise the funds needed should call her on 01837 53331.