Rachel Bending, EVS volunteer, is raising money for LEWE with a sponsored cycle ride in the Crimea.

Rachel writes:

"At the end of July I am going to cycle appoximately 400km of the coast of the Crimea from Feodosiya in the East to Cape Tarkhankut in the West. I have to complete the tour within a week, and follow the coastline all the way!

I arrive in the Ukraine on the 21st, and hope to start the tour on the 24th/25th. I will be riding a hired bike and transporting a minimum of equipment. Although I cycle almost everyday to university this will be my first proper tour, so I need all the moral support I can get to help me see it through!

As some of you may know, I will be spending next year in Tbilisi, Georgia, volunteering with an environmental organisation, the Caucasus Environmental NGO Network. The project is part of the European Voluntary Services 'Youth in Action Programme', and the UK-based charity Look East Wild Earth is acting as my sending organisation back in the UK. Besides organising volunteer placements in Russia and the Caucasus, Look East has played a vital role in linking up with NGOs in these countries and supporting environmental campaigns and organising projects. Therefore, in return for their help in the applicaton process for my own project and in recognition of their work, I have decided to fundraise for this charity."

Click here to see Rachel's fundraising page, give a donation, or find out how she's getting on!