What’s On has details about Journey of Hope, a four-day charity cycle ride across all seven Emirates on Dec 2 to 5, and how you can sign up.

The Journey of Hope is a four-day charity cycle ride that will see participants cover 250km and visit all seven Emirates in order to raise money for those in need of life-saving surgeries and medical attention here in the UAE.

Hosted from December 2 to 5, the ride into Abu Dhabi will be hosted on the final day of the trek and will see participants clock in 130km while cycling from Latifa Hospital in Dubai to Al Rahba Hospital in Al Rahba.

The inaugural event was inspired after Dubai resident Samantha Yousef experienced a life threatening medical emergency and needed to pay a huge deposit before being admitted to an operation theatre. “When you are brought face-to-face with how quickly your own life can be lost and that deep sense of desperation for help at any cost, it makes you more compassionate about the plight of those who will one day be in the same precarious position,” said Yousef.

The event has already raised approximately Dhs20,000 for the Red Crescent who “will manage the funds by working with hospitals throughout the UAE who have patients who require emergency surgery and are unable to pay for the hospital bills,” added Yousef.

Riders do not need to participate in all four days of the event. Instead you’ll be able to pick and choose which leg/legs you’d like to ride. “All cycling levels are catered for, so it should not be seen as a daunting challenge but more of an epic adventure,” adds JOH team member Noel Tuohy. Distances range from the more manageable 28km and 32km to the more advanced 60km and 130km.

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If you’re interested in training with the JOH team at the Al Qudra cycle track in Dubai, ahead of the initiative, please contact the team directly at journeyofhopeae@gmail.com.

Registration for the event closes on Wednesday, November 25. For more information visit: journeyofhope.ae