A LOWER Peover couple will soon be swapping their beloved campers for an alternative form of transport – cycling from coast to coast of Costa Rico for charity.

Michelle and Neil Farrimond, who own Knutsford-based Nostalgic Campers, will be setting off on a 10-day, 500km bike ride across the Central American country in April.

They will be joining 13 other cyclists for The Costa Rica C2C cycle challenge which will raise funds for The Children’s Adventure Farm Trust (CAFT) in Millington.

Michelle, 40, said: “I am feeling anxious about keeping up with the rest of the group but excited about raising much needed funds for a deserving charity. 

“We have been training since November but the weather hasn’t been particularly kind to us so we are usually down the gym at the Mere six days a week.”

Michelle, mum to Lauren and Josh and stepmum to Matthew and Melissa, first got involved with the trust last year after donating a short break in one of her VW campervans an auction prize for one of their fundraisers.

CAFT provide a variety of programmes, including respite care, for terminally ill, disabled and disadvantaged children from all over the North West.

“I was invited to see for myself the amazing facilities and to learn that CAFT need to raise almost £1m per year,” she added. 

“As a parent I realised we take for granted all what we consider as normal whereas other children endure daily suffering we can only imagine.”

Humbled by the experience, Michelle wanted to do more and signed herself and her 50-year-old husband up for the trust’s Global Challenge. 

“Neil was amazed when I told him what I had done as it’s usually he who comes up with these crazy cycling ideas,” Michelle added.

The couple need to raise £5198 in sponsorship money before the cycle, which will begin on April 11, but they are on the way to reaching that target and have raised £2,255 so far.

Jenny O’Hare is co-ordinating the Costa Rica Coast to Coast Cycle challenge on behalf of the Adventure Farm, said:  “This is such a tough challenge and we’re so grateful to Michelle and Neil for coming forward to support us like this. 

“It will be hard work but so rewarding, and we really can’t thank them enough for being part of Team CAFT.

“They really will be changing lives.”

To make a donation to the challenge visit Michelle's justgiving page: justgiving.com/michelle-farrimond