Bonkers Brompton challenge to help change lives around the world

A former Exeter College student is taking on a huge cycling challenge on a tiny bike in support of the BBC Media Action’s life-changing work around the world.

Geraldine Sweetland, originally from Farway, will be cycling 100 miles, including climbing the infamously steep Leith Hill and lengthy Box Hill in Surrey, on a folding Brompton bike as part of the Prudential RideLondon Surrey100 event on Sunday 31st July.

She is aiming to raise at least £600 for BBC Media Action – the corporation’s international development charity - which uses media and communication to help people in the developing world access useful, reliable and timely information. Their work now reaches more than 200 million people living in poverty and fragile settings around the world.

Geraldine, who now lives in London and works in Communications and Fundraising for BBC Media Action, said: “I’m slightly terrified! I’ve never cycled 100 miles in my life on any bike, before June I’d never ridden a Brompton and a skiing accident in March delayed my training but it’s all for a great cause so I’m determined to do it.”

“Following the earthquakes in Nepal last year I saw how BBC Media Action responded fast – enabled by funds raised through efforts like this as they are not funded by the licence fee and rely on donations.

“Within hours of the first earthquake, emergency “lifeline” radio programmes were broadcasting across a network of more than 250 radio stations in Nepal – sharing vital information about aid, how to stay safe and what might happen next.”

“Media has the power to reach millions of people, especially those in remote rural areas, and importantly it can help people to survive, cope and recover. Information is often a forgotten form of aid in a crisis – but it’s the means through which people can find food, water, shelter and the security they need.”

Geraldine is among 11 BBC Media Action volunteers taking on the challenge. The route starts at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, follows a 100-mile route through the capital and into Surrey’s stunning countryside before heading back to London and finishing on The Mall.

For more information or to support Geraldine please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Geraldine-Sweetland