Jackie's Vietnam cycle 'once in a lifetime' event ture

Jackie Kinahan, a keen cyclist for some years, took on the once in a lifetime challenge to raise money for the charity.

The mother of two took up cycling after a friend's partner, James Kelly, died of lung cancer and she and her friend Pauline Matthews took part in a sponsored cycle for Marie Curie.

Once she was hit by the cycling bug she saw details of the cycling trip in Vietnam last November.

So along with her brother John Erwin, who was raising money for the Chest Heart and Stroke Association, she began a year long training regime cycling up to 65 miles a week along with other fitness activities.

In November she swopped the cold weather for the sweltering heat of Vietnam cycle during which she pedalled to a height of 2000 metres during a 26km climb.

Delighted with her achievement Jackie said: "A lot of it was uphill. It was really challenging and involved a lot of physical work.

"One of the hardest times was on day three when we did around 120km in one day - most of it uphill.

"The training took a lot of my time and whilst I would love to say I would do it again I wouldn't! It took up too much time.

"The last three months was just constant training. It was finding the time and getting built up to that level of physical fitness. I have never been so fit in my life but it will be very much a one off thing."

However, Jackie plans to continue to cycle for charities and aims to raise money for Marie Curie - but the treks won't be on the same scale.

"It was great and it was amazing and I loved every minute and don't regret a thing, but it was a once in a lifetime thing to do.

"Everyone else there was very good, encouraging you all the way. We reminded each other of the reason why we were there. It was a case of mind over matter."

Jakie added: "I would like to thank the Wallace High School community for their sponsorship and encouragement and especially Grace Bill and the Charity Committee."

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