A LLANDRE woman has decided to get on her bike and raise money for charity instead of having a party to celebrate her forthcoming 40th birthday.

As a regular freelance translator for Macmillan, Nia Peris, 39, of Llandre, Aberystwyth, has become increasingly aware of Macmillan Cancer Support’s crucial work in Wales and was keen to help them make a difference to the lives of people living with cancer.

Having trained and blogged for the past nine months, she will attempt to cycle 325 miles in the three days leading up to her 40th birthday, visiting all the places she has lived during her 40 years.

Nia started cycling as part of her recovery from back surgery following the birth of her second child, and this will be her first serious cycling challenge.

“Before starting my training, 70 miles was the furthest I’d ever ridden in a single ride, but my challenge will see me riding over 100 miles on three consecutive days, starting from Bangor on Friday, 14 September, reaching Cardiff on 15 September and riding back to Aberystwyth on Sunday, 16 September.

“It has been a busy year of preparation, difficult at times, but people have already been extremely generous and we’ve raised over £2,000 for Macmillan before setting off.

"I am grateful to everyone for their support, and look forward to getting out on the road and getting this challenge done before I turn 40 later this month.”

Nia will also be hosting a World’s Biggest Coffee Morning in Neuadd Rhydypennau, Bow Street, a week after her challenge, on Saturday, 22 September.

Nia’s bilingual blog can be read at https://234cymru.wordpress.com/ and any contributions for Macmillan Cancer Support are welcomed at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/nia-peris

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