OUH nurse in world record attempt

A nurse from Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is taking a break from her day job to take on a world record attempt for charity.

Rachael Marsden will put her role as a motor neurone disease Nurse Consultant on hold as she teams up with fellow sports enthusiast Catherine (Cat) Dixon to try and become the fastest women in history to circumnavigate the globe on a tandem bike.

Setting off on Saturday 29 June (2019) from Beeline Bike Shop in Oxford, the pair will attempt to cycle between 80 and 100 miles a day, covering 18,000 miles across five continents unsupported - all within 320 days.

They have registered their attempt with the Guinness Book of Records, and will use the ride to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association and Oxfam.

Rachael, who has spent her 32-year career in the NHS, is an expert in the management of complex disability and coordinates the specialist Motor Neurone Disease service at the John Radcliffe Hospital.

The pair are also hoping to beat the current men's record of 283 days, a new record set earlier this year.

No stranger to a challenge, Rachael said: "I am a mother to three amazing children, and I have juggled my family life and career while studying for many years. My children have now grown up and are living their lives, so I think this is the perfect time for me to follow my dreams.

"I have Dutch genes, and have cycled all my life. However, it is only in the last year that I have discovered that I am quite good at it - and I want to use this passion to make a difference.

"I hope the ride will promote women's cycling showing that anything is possible - you just have to make it happen."

The route crosses Europe and Asia, taking in India, Myanmar, Thailand and Malaysia, then takes them through Australia, New Zealand, North America and North West Africa. The final stretch will see them pedal north through Spain and France back to the UK.

Joining Rachael on the tandem bike for the epic journey is her friend Cat, who will be stepping down as the chief executive of a college in the north of England to take on the challenge.

As an ex-army officer, Cat, who has also worked as a chief executive in the NHS, is used to the outdoor life but believes people are never too young or old to cycle or to go on a big adventure.

She said: "This is an adventure of a life time. It would be fantastic to break the world record, but more importantly we are riding for two amazing charities and we hope that our ride will help promote and fundraise for the fantastic work that the Motor Neurone Disease Association and Oxfam do every day.

"We also hope to raise awareness of women's cycling, particularly for older women. I'm sure that the ride will be life-changing and we both want to make the most of every moment."

Rachael and Cat want to work with supporters who can help them with their challenge by offering sponsorship, specialist kit, and to help them to raise awareness of the challenge, and their chosen charities.

Visit the fundraising page here to donate.

Pictured: Rachael Marsden, right, and Cat Dixon