Countdown to charity cycle challenge

Business Development Officer at City of Glasgow College swaps desk for saddle to cycle 363 miles across Sri Lanka for charity.

Kerry Bamber, who joined the college during lockdown in February last year, is completing the challenge as part of Women v Cancer to raise money for Breast Cancer Now, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust and Ovarian Cancer Action.

The challenge, which takes place in September, will be Kerry’s fourth with the charity which, as she explains, came about because of an accident she had eight years ago.

“I had a really bad fall from my bike with injuries that affected my balance and, as a result, I lost my confidence.” said Kerry. “I finally got back into the saddle by doing spin classes, I thought that might be safer, but I felt I really needed to do something to restore my confidence.”

That’s when she signed up to do the Women v Cancer cycle across Cuba in 2014, just one year after her accident.

“I wanted to do something positive for other people, as well as myself. The 372 mile ride was definitely a challenge but I finished stronger, met amazing people, and put myself back together again.”

Roy Gardner, Vice Principal, Corporate Development and Innovation at City of Glasgow College, supports what Kerry is trying to achieve, saying:

“We are always very proud of members of staff who challenge themselves and go the extra mile to help others. This is a real test Kerry has set herself, particularly given her recent injuries, but Team City is behind her and we look forward to following her progress.”

In 2016 Kerry took on the Vietnam to Cambodia route where her main adversaries were the heat and humidity, and also snakes. “We finished that ride at Angkor Wat which is just stunning. I went back to Cambodia later as a tourist and it was really emotional to return to the spot where we finished the cycle.”

Her last challenge was in 2019 and took her to Costa Rica. “That reminded me of Raiders of the Lost Ark,” said Kerry. “The wildlife there is incredible. We came across sloths, bears, and more snakes, and the scenery was spectacular. You see a different side to countries because you’re off the beaten track and away from the usual tourist haunts.

“There are times you really have to push yourself. On one occasion in Costa Rica, we had to cross a bridge at high altitude and one woman in our group just froze. She was scared of heights and was sure she couldn’t go on. But she had to, and did. You form very strong bonds with the other women who are sharing your wish to do something positive for people, and to challenge yourself.”

Kerry admits to being “a bit accident prone” and, true to form, in December 2020, as if that year wasn’t bad enough, she fell and broke three major bones in her ankle.

“I was out walking in Baron’s Haugh nature reserve in Motherwell, where I live, and fell in some mud. I sat with my foot at right angles for three hours until the ambulance arrived. I’ve got several pins and plates, and was using a Zimmer frame for a couple months before I finally managed four steps across my living room.

“I committed to this next challenge because a 20-year-old woman in a group I cycle with, who has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, asked me to join them. I couldn’t say no. I have a stubborn streak which keeps me going, and I’m determined to build my ankle back up.”

With just over six months left to prepare, Kerry’s fundraising target for this challenge is £3,600. The trips are organised by Dream Challenges who sort the flights, routes, accommodation and bikes. “We take our own saddles,” says Kerry. “But hybrid bikes are provided and they’re all identical so it’s great fun in the morning trying to find your bike in amongst a hundred others.

The Sri Lankan cycle starts on 9 September and Kerry will cross the finish line on her 51st birthday. She admits that fundraising during a pandemic presents its own challenges but is optimistic she will reach her target. If you wish to support Kerry in her endeavour please visit her JustGiving page.