Caroline Blair’s cycling adventure from Vietnam to Cambodia this year is a truly inspiring story of determination, hard work, and community spirit. Covering 450 kilometres over six days, Caroline embarked on this incredible journey and raised over £1000 pounds for Saint Michael’s Hospice.
Caroline began her journey in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, cycling through the picturesque Mekong Delta before crossing into Cambodia. Her ride ended at Angkor Wat, the ancient capital of the Khmer Empire. Battling soaring temperatures in the mid-thirties and navigating rough terrains of unmade roads, Caroline faced long days, often finishing her rides late in the evening.
For Caroline, this challenge was more than an adventure; it was a chance to raise vital funds for Saint Michael’s Hospice, which provided care and comfort to her father and family in his final days over 20 years ago. Here is what Caroline said reflecting on her father’s care:
“Saint Michael’s Hospice was there to help him and support myself and my sister in his final days. He was surrounded by love, as were we, it really is such a special place. Thank you.”
Caroline raised her target for this challenge which was £1,000. When reflecting on her amazing achievement Caroline said;
“It was tough, long days in the saddle not arriving at our hotel until 5/6pm, but everything we saw along the way and the money I have raised for Saint Michael’s Hospice has made it so worthwhile.”
“Everywhere we cycled we were greeted with warm smiles and shouts of ‘hello’ and ‘hiya’ from the local people in both Cambodia and Vietnam. From the youngest of children to the oldest, of grandparents, all wanting to practice their English and greet the crazy British people on their bicycles.”
Caroline also told us her favourite memories of this challenge.
“We crossed the murky Mekong on foot ferries that you couldn’t believe were water-tight, that were a jumble of old engine parts tied together with rope. We cycled through paddy fields and saw people were harvesting the rice and water hyacinth to make straw hats and carpets, met local silk weavers creating colourful scarves and bags, watched coconut harvesters hacking the fruit and drying them in the sun, saw rice being dried by the side of the roads, visited markets where all sorts of animal life were being bought and sold under clear blue skies.”
Caroline’s amazing achievement not only shows the power of her determination but also highlights the importance of hospice care and how it can leave a lasting impact on families who have lost loved ones. Caroline’s dedication to the challenge and the phenomenal efforts to fundraise many years after her father was cared for by Saint Michael’s Hospice is truly inspiring.
Feeling motivated by Caroline’s story?
Why not take on your own challenge or create your own fundraiser, it is a fantastic way to bring together friends, family, colleagues, or classmates – all while raising vital funds for your local hospice. It could be a tried-and-tested bake sale, taking on a fun challenge, or a quirky new way for people to sponsor you. Whatever your plan, our team are here to help you raise funds, awareness, and smiles. Find out more about doing your own fundraising by clicking here.
