The chair of the North Wales branch of the Institute of Directors (IoD) is preparing to cycle almost 400 miles across Cuba’s toughest terrain to raise thousands of pounds for charity.
Helen Watson, who is also partner and head of employment law at 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 fund-raisers 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 is now in training for her challenge, which has involved running in several half marathons, including the Conwy half marathon.
“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,” said Helen, who has been cycling in Conwy every weekend as part of her preparations to ensure she is in peak condition.
“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.
“The hills and terrain in Conwy have been ideal for training. Although the weather conditions are not the same, the gorgeous views certainly make up for it.”
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, visit www.justgiving.com/watson-helen or www.bit.ly/CubaBike14.
