Members of the group discuss their next move while stopping at Siniawan bazaar.
KUCHING: Twenty-eight women from the United Kingdom (UK) and Singapore are cycling across Sarawak’s rainforest to raise fund and create awareness of sepsis, a serious medical condition that could lead to organ failure and death.
Calling themselves ‘Bicycle Buddies’, the group is dedicated to raise money for sepsis survivors in the UK.
“It is very difficult to diagnose sepsis. It could hit you and you could die immediately from it if it is not treated,” Lorraine Stanton, a member of the group explained about the dangers of sepsis to reporters here yesterday.
They stared their journey on Sept 22 and will end on Sept 28, covering a distance of 50 to 60km per day.
Bicycle Buddies board a boat to get to their next destination.
When asked on their journey so far, Yvonne Konieczna of the UK, said the hot and humid weather was their main challenge.
“It’s very very hot, and very humid, and the some of the hills are quite steep.
“We could train and work hard (in the UK), but it still couldn’t prepare us for this weather”, she added.
However, she said they were very impressed with the scenery along the journey, and the hospitality was truly amazing.
Mel Greenway, meanwhile, said they were hoping to raise about 30,000 pound collectively with other charity organisations.
The group was also grateful to Paradesa Borneo for supporting them with bicycles in their initiative to raise the much-needed fund.
They have passed through Annah Rais (longhouse) in upper Padawan, Siniawan bazaar, Kubah National Park, and Lundu.
With members ranging from 25 to 70 years old, the Bicycle Buddies are amateur cyclists from a diverse group for their love of cycling and passion for charity.
The charity cycling tour is supported by Sarawak Tourism Board.