Student pedals to give kids a chance - Taranaki Daily News

Adventurous Taranaki student Christine Conway is taking the long road home to New Plymouth - stopping off in the Himalayas for a charity cycle en route from England.
The 23-year-old will cycle 700km over 16 days as part of the annual "India on 2 Wheels" event organised by UK charity Childreach International.
Miss Conway graduated from Sacred Heart Girl's College in 2007 and is in the United Kingdom completing an MA in conflict, security and development.
She flies to Delhi to start the journey with 15 other students later this month.
"I have never done anything like this before and wouldn't consider myself a cyclist. But I have been putting the hours in for training and am sure I can do it," she said.
To take part in the cycle, Miss Conway has had to come up with $5000 on top of costs for flights, a $500 registry fee and other expenses.
Money raised goes to Childreach International to help needy children in Tanzania, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Cambodia and Bangladesh. It will improve children's access to healthcare, education and protection.
"I was really inspired by Childreach International as they are such a new charity but they've already achieved so much," she said.
"They raise most of their funds through these charity challenges which they promote to students."
To fundraise for the journey, Miss Conway has had street collections, bake sales, fundraising pub crawls and organised Amazing Race style competitions.
She has also sold unwanted possessions.
"I believe everyone deserves a chance and am really happy to be assisting with projects that give children a chance in life," she said.
After the cycle, Miss Conway will volunteer at a Tibetan refugee centre as a human rights consultant and English teacher before flying home on September 23.
You can support Christine's journey on her Facebook page www. facebook.com/christinedoesindia on2wheels
Matthew Cattin is an AUT journalism student.