A PARAMEDIC based in Bromsgrove sets off today (Thursday) to cycle 500km over four days to raise funds for the charity which helped save her partner’s life, writes Abi Cook.
Natalka Greenwood, a star of the More 4 series ‘999 on the Frontline’, hopes to raise £3,000 for Cure Leukaemia through her London to Paris cycle.
The charity is a cause close to Natalka’s heart as the team based at Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital, led by Prof Charlie Craddock, helped cure her partner, Adam.
Last year the pair supported the race together but this time Natalka will be participating thanks to Adam’s encouragement.
The 34-year-old paramedic said: “If it wasn’t for Cure Leukaemia, I wouldn’t be leading the life that I do today with Adam.
‘I was so inspired by the riders last year that I finally bit the bullet and thought I’d give it a go.
“If I can do something to help fund finding a cure, then it’s got to be worth all of the effort.”
The ride begins at Greenwich Park and, after the ferry crossing, it will be followed by three days of cycling across northern France to Paris.
She will arrive at the Champs Elysee, ride around the Arc de Triomphe and then take on the final stretch to the Eiffel Tower.
Getting back on the saddle was not easy for Natalka.
The last time she rode a bike was 12 years ago when she collided with a car and broke her jaw.
To prepare for the ride, the clinical team mentor pedalling 35 miles, making sure to include the Clent Hills in her practice routes.
“The hills will be my nemesis but I can be a bit stubborn so I’m sure that will help me complete the 80 odd miles on each of the four days we ride.”
Visit justgiving.com/fundraising/natalka-greenwood to help her in her quest to find a cure for Leukaemia.
