Web designer Niki Peach and accounts assistant Karen Holliday will cycle a gruelling trail from Vietnam to Cambodia to raise funds for a breast cancer charity.

The week-long challenge covers 525km and is being completed for Abingdon-based Against Breast Cancer.

Mrs Peach and Mrs Holliday, both from Headington, will spend a fortnight in February cycling from Saigon, now Ho Chi Minh City, in Vietnam through the waterways of the Mekong Delta into Cambodia, finishing in the Royal Temples of Angkor Wat.

Mrs Peach, 39, said: “We both have three children and work full-time and neither of us had ever biked more than a few miles before.

“We have been training to make sure we are fit enough for the trip so we can keep up with our guide.

“Cambodia is still heavily landmined so it is crucial we stay with our guide. My mum had breast cancer a few years ago and although she has recovered fully, it brought home to me how important the research is in finding a vaccine, especially as I worry for the future of my three children who are all girls.”

Mrs Holliday, 43, added: “This year, I have done lots of biking as well as keep up with my running.

“Our most important possessions will be large super-padded shorts and cream for sores.

“Any time I lose motivation I just keep thinking of the reason we are doing this, to help fund research in breast cancer to increase survival after diagnosis.”

Both women are paying £2,000 to cover the full cost of the trip, which means that every penny they get in sponsorship will go directly to Against Breast Cancer.

The charity funds pioneering research by clinical scientists at University College London, who are seeking a vaccine, and spends about £1m a year on a research programme to increase survival after diagnosis.

Ms Peach added: “We have set our fundraising target at £4,000 which will help support this charity and help them carry on their valuable research.”

For further information, visit bikeforbreastcancer.co.uk