Genesis Research Trust (www.genesisresearchtrust.com) 22 June 2015.

Having recently completed a 1,000 charity cycle challenge from John O’Groats to Land’s End, Fern Britton has just signed up to a 400 mile women only bike challenge in Kerala, India.
This October, the novelist and presenter who will be 58 years old, and over 100 women will be pushing themselves to the limits in temperatures of over 30°C and ascents of around 1,800 metres. Kerala is situated on the south-western coast of India and is known for its spices and exotic wildlife. The terrain is challenging and the cycling will be tough, but the route is spectacular, cycling through the Western Ghats and lowland forests of Thattehkkad, tea and rubber plantations, passing tranquil stretches of emerald backwaters and waterfalls and finishing in Cochin, a vibrant city often referred to as the Queen of the Arabian Sea.

1 in 18 babies is born prematurely; 1 in 4 babies is miscarried; 1 in 200 babies is stillborn; 4,370 women die of ovarian cancer each year; 1 in 10 women suffer from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.
Genesis Research Trust, whose Chairman is Professor Robert Winston, funds world class scientists dedicated to improving the lives of women and babies.

“I’m looking forward to cycling alongside a wonderful group of women for a very special cause. This is not a race, we are of mixed abilities and we are all cycling together as a team,” says, Fern Britton, Patron of Genesis Research Trust.

“Whether you are a cyclist or a novice, our challenges are for all women and likely to be from 18-75. You will never feel alone and the teamwork and camaraderie is what makes these events so special. If you want to join one of our challenges, why not consider a cycle or a trek in Burma 2016,” says Yvonne Konieczna, Director of Marketing and Communications, Genesis Research Trust.

Now is the time to visit Burma. This is an extraordinary country, rich in history and unspoilt by tourism. You can visit areas which were previously off-limits and enjoy spectacular scenery, gilded pagodas, mountains and pine forests and witness first-hand the culture, lifestyle and traditions.
For more information about Genesis Research Trust and how to get involved or make a donation, please visit genesisresearchtrust.com or contact Yvonne Konieczna on 0207 594 2192 or email [email protected]

Since our very first women-only challenges were launched 15 years ago, thousands of women have cycled and trekked to raise over £8 million. This money has funded vital research projects which have led to:

• Professor Phillip Bennett and colleagues describing the role of the vaginal microbiome in the prevention of pre-term labour.
• Professor Stephen Franks being the first to promote low-dose gonadotropin regimens for the safe treatment of infertility in women with PCOS, a procedure now adopted worldwide.
• Professor Catherine Williamson identifying genetic causes of obstetric cholestasis, a pregnancy specific liver disease which is believed to be an important cause of stillbirth.
• Professor Lesley Regan introducing successful treatment regime for recurrent miscarriage caused by Antiphospholipid Syndrome ("sticky blood").
• Professor Vivette Glover revealing that children whose mothers suffer severe stress during pregnancy have up to double the risk of developing an emotional or behavioural problem in later life.
• Funding the Women’s Health Research Centre based at Queen Charlotte’s Hospital and St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, dedicated to improving the clinical management of common reproductive problems in women, especially focussing on recurrent miscarriage, premature birth, stillbirth, diseases in pregnancy and urinary incontinence.