Darlington mother who overcame a health scare gearing up for second charity cycle

Adele Jaab is planning to cycle 450km around China next year, to raise funds for the Women vs Cancer organisation, which supports the work of three charities fighting breast, ovarian and cervical cancer.

It will be her second overseas ride, having cycled 350km from Agra to Jaipur, in India, in October last year.

Mrs Jaab suffered a slight stroke last month but is not letting that put her off planning her next fundraiser.

She is funding her own travel and accommodation and is aiming to raise £3,200 to be split between three charities – Breast Cancer Care, Ovarian Cancer Action and Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust.

The 45-year-old, who works as a children’s centre manager in Stockton, said: “I had a bit of a health scare a couple of years ago and after that I felt as though I wanted to do something.

“I picked up a magazine and it fell open on the page about the India cycle. I sent off my deposit that same day.”

More than 100 women took part in the five-day Indian trip, with a similarly large group expected to travel to China.

Mrs Jaab, who has children aged 21, 19 and ten, expects to make a full recovery from her stroke and will set off for China in September next year.

She added: “The first health scare came when I had scans for ovarian cancer, but it turned out I was allergic to gluten, so it was nothing all that major, although at the time it was still a scare.

“It taught me that it’s important to look after your health, but there is a lot of people with cancer, who go through a lot worse than me.”

A fundraising night – including pig racing and live music – will be held at Cockerton Club on Saturday, November 16.

Music will be provided by Celtic rock cover band Emerald Thieves. Doors open at 6.30pm and the event will finish at about 11.20pm.

Tickets cost £6 and can be obtained by calling Chris Cole, on 01325-245651, or emailing chriscole@ntlworld.com

To sponsor Mrs Jaab, visit justgiving.com/adelejaab