19 participants took on Norwood’s Northern Vietnam: Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Rivers and Rice cycle challenge, raising over £90,000 for the charity for neurodiverse children and their families and people with neurodevelopmental disabilities.

Flying into Hanoi, the group rode south into the heart of the delta, before battling with some long days in the saddle, undulating roads and some humid conditions. Taking a brief reprieve at Cuc Phuong, Vietnam’s largest national
park, where they visited the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre, they then followed the historic Ho Chi Minh trails cycling on small tarmac roads with dramatic mountain scenery among the green rice paddies and lime karst
mountains and a section along the along the Buoi River before finally resting at Mai Chau. In total the cultural cycling adventure comprised 5 days cycling and 1 day trekking over a 326KM distance overall.

Among the intrepid challengers were James Sanson, who took on his 30th challenge event for Norwood, and his second alongside his 26 year-old nephew Alexander Sanson Gomez. James said of his decision to take on the challenge: “I must be a gluten for punishment!! … it’s true, BUT, I’m doing it for a reason. All charities have had a really tough 5 years. Government funding has been squeezed, costs have shot-up, and donor fatigue is a growing trend. So private fundraising is ever more important.”
Alex added: ““ I have a personal vested interest in supporting young people on the spectrum going through hard times, and firmly believe that every human being should have the opportunity to live a fulfilling life. I am privileged to have my second opportunity to participate in a Norwood Challenge.”

The pair have so far raised more than £2,700 towards their fundraising target.