27 April 2010

Costain Civil Engineer Ruth Thompsett has responded to an appeal by TV personality Professor Robert Winston to join a tough, women-only cycling challenge in China to raise funds to improve the health of women and babies.

More than 1,400 women from across the UK have already helped Professor Winston raise over £2million for the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Trust's Women for Women fund by taking part in cycling challenges around the world.  Previous women-only rides have taken place in Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Cuba, Turkey and India.  This Morning television presenter Fern Britten took part in rides in Egypt, India and Cuba and will be cycling for Women for Women again in China in 2010.

Ruth, 29, is joining Women for Women Cycle China and will cycle some 450km over five days through the countryside of China's Beijing region, along rivers and through steep gorges, past tiny villages, ancient tombs and historical landmarks.  She will experience a China that few westerners get to sample.  As well as training hard, she needs to raise a minimum of £3300 by 2nd July 2010 to fund groundbreaking medical research work at the Wolfson and Weston Research Centre for Family Health in London, and she is asking local people and companies to help her reach that target.

Funds raised by Cycle China will support women scientists and clinicians to specialise in research affecting women and babies, empowering more women to lead in this field.  They will work in the research centre to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a range of devastating conditions which cause genetic diseases, miscarriage, infertility, cancer and brain damage.  The fundamental aim is to improve women's health and to ensure that more women have a normal pregnancy with a healthy baby.  With up to 250 babies dying every week in the UK from complications during pregnancy, their work has never been so essential for women and babies worldwide.

Women for Women is administered by the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Trust and Professor Winston is Chairman of both the Trust and Women for Women.

To pledge your support for Ruth, either post your sponsorship donation, made payable to The Institute Trust Fund, to her at 12 Renown Way, Chineham, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG24 8XD or telephone her on 07720 748 409.  Alternatively sponsor her online at www.justgiving.com/ruththompsett.

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