Heike to take on cycle challenge (From Penarth Times)

Heike to take on cycle challenge

GERMAN-BORN Heike Verdon, who last year completed a marathon to raise cash for Marie Curie Hospice Penarth, has now signed up for the charity's Great 500 Cycle Challenge.

Heike will cycle from Berlin to Warsaw covering a distance of 632km in six days.

Each participant has to raise a minimum of 1,800 to take part in the challenge.

Heike said: "I am organising a fundraising disco on March 11 and I have had 200 tickets printed.

"Anyone interested in coming along should contact me on 029 2035 0000 (work) or 029 2070 0414 (home) or by e-mail at heikeverdon@yahoo.co.uk

"I need all the help I can get to reach my target of 1,800. Your support is greatly appreciated."

Heike has also set up a webpage at www.justgiving.com/heikecycle for anyone is interested in sponsoring her.

Marie Curie Penarth has now filled half the places available for the Great 500, but is still looking to sign up another 14 local people.

Some 500 cyclists from throughout the UK will ride one of five routes across Europe in September 2006, to Poland's capital Warsaw, the birthplace of Marie Curie.

Every cyclist is required to raise the minimum sponsorship - this will cover transport, insurance, meals and accommodation, a bike for the duration of the challenge, support crew, a training programme, fundraising advice.

And more than half of the sponsorship will go directly to the hospice.