Based in Lichfield, the Stan Bowley Trust is a charity dedicated to raising funds and awareness for CyberKnife Cancer Radiotherapy treatment in the UK.
In September 2025, a dedicated team of volunteers representing the Stan Bowley Trust undertook an epic 500 Km cycle challenge across Vietnam and Cambodia. Their journey was marked by challenging weather, inspiring camaraderie, and poignant cultural encounters, all in aid of a vital cause.
The adventure began when the team of intrepid fundraisers boarded their flight to Vietnam, after an incredibly early start at Heathrow. Despite initial reports of “iffy” weather in Vietnam, the team was ready for the epic 500 Km cycle ride that awaited them.
Showing commitment right from the start, the volunteers hit the ground running. Not long after landing in Ho Chi Minh, the cycle team was immediately fitted to their bikes – a crucial task considering they would be covering 500 Km on those saddles!
The cycling officially began with a warm send-off, as the weather was initially on its best behaviour. However, the challenging conditions soon appeared, requiring plastic ponchos and a lot of resilience. The rain eventually stopped – for a time – allowing them to cover an impressive 92 Km in 36-degree heat.
As the Vietnam leg concluded, the team continued their strong progress. They covered another amazing 77 Km on the bikes, starting the day with a boat trip along the Mekong River. They said goodbye to their excellent Vietnam crew as they prepared to cross into Cambodia.
The transition into Cambodia proved tough. The border crossing itself took almost 2 hours. Once through, the team managed 43 Km on the bikes in yet more torrential rain. Yet, the sun followed the storm, meaning they were soon cycling in 37 degree heat, and high humidity.
Despite the challenging physical conditions, the team faced powerful emotional experiences. Early on the Cambodian side, it was a privilege to visit one of the country’s Killing Fields, described as a very thought-provoking and poignant experience by everyone.
The next day brought another profound visit to School 21 in Phnom Penh, which had been used as a prison for torture during the Pol Pot reign. This was “a very emotional experience that really made everyone think”, said Ian Bowley, founder of the charity. Following this sobering start, they cycled 72 Km on another scorching day, also meeting some fantastic local children.
The weather continued to be unpredictable, testing the cyclists’ resilience to its limits. Saturday saw temperatures soar even further, reaching 42 degrees, followed by a tremendous thunderstorm. This did not deter the team, who completed 73 Km – an amazing achievement.
The journey was defined by commitment shown through adversity, including laughter, tears, injuries, thunder, lightning, torrential rain and searing heat.
Between them, the team has pedalled approximately 212,000 pedal revolutions each!
The remarkable commitment shown by the team was truly admirable: Mo Ayres, Karen Sedgwick, Kev Barlow, Ian Bowley, and Rebecca Bowley. Reflecting on what was an amazing experience, the team felt they had done the SBT and themselves proud, helping those less fortunate than themselves.
Thanks to the support of their followers, the team has raised c.£17,500 for the Stan Bowley Trust.
Next year? Watch this space!
Find out more about the Stan Bowley Trust at https://www.thestanbowleytrust.org/
