A commercial director from Reading who took on the challenge of a lifetime to cycle 450km across the Beijing province of China has smashed her fundraising target.
Dawnet McLaughlin, 41, who works at the Persimmon Homes Thames Valley office in Camberley, set herself a target of £3,200, but has already reached over £9,000 with some donations still to come in.
A delighted Dawnet said: “I did it! I’m so pleased to have completed the ride, and despite it being really difficult both mentally and physically, I am thrilled to have raised so much money for such good causes.”
Many staff suppliers, contractors and associates of Persimmon Homes Thames Valley stumped up sponsorship for Dawnet’s epic challenge.
The Cycle China Challenge was organised by Women V Cancer, with funds split between Breast Cancer Care, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust and Ovarian Cancer Action. It involved cycling 450km over five days and included a visit to the Great Wall of China.
Dawnet saw the cycle ride advertised in a magazine and was inspired to take part.
“I have close friends and family who have been affected by cancer and it meant a lot to me to be able to do something significant to boost funds for these extremely worthy causes.”
“As a group of 104 ladies, we raised more than £430,000 which is fantastic, so a great big thank you to everyone who supported me, both personally during my training, and financially by donating.”
Despite the gruelling training involved, and the fact that the cycle ride was tougher than she anticipated, Dawnet said she is already looking for her next challenge – although she may leave it a few months before she starts!
Anyone wanting to support Dawnet can still do so at http://www.justgiving.com/Dawnet-McLaughlin.