A 62-year-old Buckinghamshire woman will leave for Africa next month to take part in a mega bike ride for charity.

Angie Lench, who is a newly retired Senior Lecturer at the London College of Fashion, and hails from Monks Risborough, will fly to Kenya to embark on a 500km trek across the country’s national parks.

This is in aid of the charity, child.org, which helps mothers and newborn babies in the East African nation with life-saving healthcare and information.

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And the Buckinghamshire resident was inspired to take part in the cause after her sister, Susan, was tragically killed in a freak accident near her home in Gilroy, California.

The incident occurred in July this year when her sibling was riding her bike before being hit by a tree branch that had fallen on top of her.

Angie said: “This has been such a shock to all the family, but being able to do this ride in her memory has helped a lot, as she loved her mountain bike too.

“I am using the seat cover as a way of having her near me in training and whilst on the ride itself.”

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The ride, which is in Susan’s memory, will go from Amboseli to Mombasa where she will see the local wildlife but also endure some difficult terrain.  

In all, 30 riders will take part.

Additionally, a JustGiving page has been launched to raise money for the cause, with £1,167 being donated towards the £1,180 target.

To donate, go to www.justgiving.com/page/angie-lench-ride-africa-2023 or to read more about the charity, visit Child.org.