India cycle was challenge of lifetime for charity fundraiser

Babs Curtlin, of Harbury Lane, had very good reasons to take part in Action For Charity’s Women v Cancer Cycle India event.

She is currently in remission after receiving treatment for ovarian cancer and just three weeks before she set off to take part in the challenge, her mother Barbara Tandy, whom she credits as being her biggest supporter, died of the disease.

Despite her grief she managed to cycle 350km around part of India in just over ten days, seeing some incredible sights and experiencing physical challenges along the way.

Mrs Curtlin said: “I was part of an incredible team of 62 women and the camaraderie really was special.

“It was tough and emotional with many big potholes along the way.”

The cycle started in Rajasthan, ‘The Land of Kings’, where the group travelled through villages and camped on the edge of the Sariska Tiger Reserve.

The cycle also included a visit to the stunning Taj Mahal.

The last days were spent cycling between sand dunes in the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur before the challenge finished at Ramgarh Palace.

Mrs Curtlin raised almost £4,000, which will go to three charities - Breast Cancer Care, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust and Ovarian Cancer Action.

Mrs Curtlin said: “This was my challenge of a lifetime.

“I would like to thank all my sponsors - my family, friends and colleagues - for their kind donations and especially my mum who supported me all the way but sadly passed away three weeks before I left.”

For more details about taking part in a challenge for Action for Charity call 0845 408 2698, email [email protected] or visit www.actionforcharity.co.uk