Pictured above: David James, Chief Executive of Visit Peak
District & Derbyshire wishes Stephanie good luck in Hall Leys
Park, Matlock
Belper cyclist Stephanie Walsh is combining a lifelong ambition
to visit South America with raising much-needed funds for a
worthwhile cause close to her heart.
And she's come up with a novel way of helping to finance the
14,960-kilometres round trip to Cuba, in partnership with her four
sponsors - which include Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, the
area's official tourist board.
For Stephanie (33) - who will cycle 350 kilometres from coast to
coast to raise cash for Scope, which supports people with cerebral
palsy - has 'sold' her limbs for semi-permanent sponsorship and
will sport henna tattoos of their websites throughout the ride.
She is paying £1,000 towards the cost of her trip of a
lifetime - riding from Havana to Trinidad between November 15 and
19 - and hopes to raise £2,000 for her chosen charity.
"I've never been to South America before, but have always wanted
to - so when I learned about the Cuban Revolution Cycle, it seemed
the ideal opportunity to achieve my ambition and raise money for a
good cause at the same time," said Stephanie, International/Tourism
Officer at Derbyshire County Council.
"I have a cousin with cerebral palsy, and I know that support
from Scope has been invaluable. I also love travelling and cycling,
and taking part in this bike challenge will be an excellent way of
experiencing the island and its distinctive culture."
Thanks to the support of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire,
Stephanie will also be spreading the message about the delights of
cycling in the Peak District and Derbyshire, and will wear a
specially branded T-shirt on her travels.
"Cycling is a key leisure activity in our area, and this year we
have been working hard to broaden its appeal, with our own Saddle
Up for Summer campaign and our support for the Peak District
National Park's Pedal Peak District initiative," said David James,
Chief Executive at the tourist board.
"There are also lots of exciting developments in the pipeline to
make the Peak District and Derbyshire even more cycle-friendly, so
we are delighted that Stephanie will be promoting opportunities for
cycling here while she is overseas. We wish her the very best of
luck and hope she enjoys the challenge of a lifetime."
Stephanie has prepared for the sponsored ride, co-ordinated by
Charity Challenge, by training on the off-road High Peak,
Tissington and Monsal Trails. Her henna tattoos were created by Mrs
Bharathi Sanghani of Allestree, Derby, and her other sponsors are
Project 7 Consultancy Ltd , the Event Partnership UK Ltd and
Genband.