A mother and son from Caerphilly have completed a 400km bike ride through Vietnam and Cambodia to raise money for Tenovus Cancer Care.
Laura Morris-Lloyd, 56, and her son, Gabriel Lloyd, 23, braved temperatures of 39°C and 80% humidity as they raised more than £6000 for their chosen charity.
The challenge was completed in memory of Laura’s sister, Denine, who died of cancer in September 2017.
The six-day task began in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam on November 27 and ended at the famous 12th-century Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia.
Supply-Teacher Laura said: “It was very tough. We’ve been training for years but you can’t prepare yourself for this kind of heat.
“On the third day, I managed to get heatstroke, but thankfully I was able to continue.”
But the heat wasn’t the only challenging obstacle in their way.
Laura said: “The roads in Cambodia are mainly dust – so we ended up inhaling quite a lot of it as we were cycling.”
The pair were joined on their mission by 28 other cyclists, who were all raising money for their own chosen charities.
When Laura was 18-years-old, she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma – a type of cancer originating in the white blood cells – and was told she had just weeks to live.
She said: “I owe so much to the hospitals and medical staff for saving my life and have raised funds consistently since my all clear 30 years ago.”
To date, Laura has raised over £140,000 for Cancer patients, research and services.”
In July 2018, the former Twyn School teacher won the Tenovus Cancer Care’s Volunteer of the Year 2018 award at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
Laura has completed fundraising activities across the globe, including India and the Great Wall of China.
“My favourite part of the trip was simply achieving it. Finishing the challenge just gave a great feeling of accomplishment.”
Like his mother, Gabriel has also completed charitable feats across the globe.
When he was 17, Gabriel trekked through Tanzania on his own to raise money for Tenovus Cancer Care.
Claudia McVie, Tenovus Cancer Care Chief Executive, said: “On behalf of everyone at the charity I would like to say a big thank you and congratulations to Laura and Gabriel for their incredible achievement.
“Laura is a truly inspiring woman who does a huge amount for Tenovus Cancer Care.
“The money they have raised will make a real difference to cancer patients throughout Wales and without the likes of Laura and Gabriel we couldn’t do what we do.”
To make a donation to Tenovus Cancer Charity, visit Laura’s donation page and help her reach her target of £7,000.