After spending days cycling 400km across African countryside, a Perth woman has urged others to follow in her footsteps.
Jane Laahs got on her bike last month to begin her journey from Dedza to Mulanje to raise funds for Link Community Development.
However, thanks to the support of her friends and family, the 53-year-old smashed her £3000 target before she got in the saddle.
After raising more than £4500, she headed to Malawi to begin her cycling challenge and find out more about the work carried out by Link Community Development, which helps ensure children get a good standard of education.
Before heading off on their first day in the saddle, Jane was taken with fellow participants to Kampini School in Dedza, where they were given a warm welcome.
Despite facing a gruelling 100km route on the second day, the group remained optimistic.
Jane told The Courier the locals also did their bit to keep their minds off the journey, albeit unwittingly, as they passed by on their own bikes carrying a whole host of unusual items, including a bed and a coffin.’Totally worth it'”The second day was a personal achievement for me, because I hadn’t ever cycled 60 miles in the one sitting and I was glad to arrive at Hippo Lodge,” she added.
“It was totally worth it though as we enjoyed a sunrise boat trip.
“This was the start of a very emotional day for me as I really wished my family could have shared this part of the trip with me.”
As the group headed towards Blantyre, their fame had spread and they were featured on Malawi radio.
On the second last day of the challenge, Jane was able to access the internet.
She said, “I was able to send longer messages to my family which were a mixture of humour and tears.”
However, her elation was short-lived as the final day proved to be the toughest, with a 2km struggle up the steep incline of Mount Mulanje.Finish lineThrough sheer determination and hard work not to mention the cheers from her fellow participants Jane was able to make it across the finish line.
As well as showing her what she can achieve, Jane said the trip also taught her some valuable lessons.
“From what I’ve learned about the Malawi people, they have a strong sense of community spirit and will automatically take care of each other,” she said.
“If their neighbour’s children have been orphaned then they will be taken in and raised with their own family.
“Elderly relatives who become sick are given the care they deserve by family or neighbours who see it as their responsibility.
“I’m so glad I signed up for the bike ride, and I will continue to follow and promote the work of the charity.”