Nikki Umana-Tate is no stranger to pushing herself to the limit in order to help orphaned children from Thailand.
For a third year, the Whittlesea resident has signed up for a 500 kilometre charity bike ride in Thailand, held over five days.
During the previous two rides, Ms Umana-Tate battled through temperatures that went up as high as 52 degrees.
While she admits she is nervous about the conditions she will face on this year’s ride, the extreme heat hasn’t affected her passion for helping the children.
“Living in Australia, we are lucky we have access to great healthcare, and there are great living conditions. These children don’t get a choice about the conditions they are brought up in,” Ms Umana-Tate said.
The ride raises money for charity Hands Across the Water, which runs seven children’s homes in Thailand, including an orphanage in Khao Lak for children orphaned in the 2006 Boxing Day Tsunami. Ms Umana-Tate stayed there with her seven-year-old son last year.
Ride participants must raise a minimum of $5000, as well as paying for their own travel costs and a $2000 rider’s fee. The fundraiser starts in Bangkok on March 20 and finishes in Khao Lak.
To donate, visit bit.ly/NikkiRides500kms
