A BUSINESSWOMAN is set to cycle more than 300 miles as part of a push to raise funds for children with autism.

Katie Skingle, who is the owner of Colchester PR firm KAT Marketing, is putting her body on the line to cycle a gruelling 550km from Vietnam to Cambodia next month.

The challenge is to help raise £100,000 for The Ark Centre in Chelmsford.

The epic 341-mile challenge sees an intrepid group of riders set off from Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam to their final destination of Angkor Wat in Cambodia over seven days, covering an average of 80km a day.

All funds raised will be used to help the centre expand its operations to support autistic children across Essex.

Talking of the challenge, Katie said: “I can’t wait to get back on my bike as I’ve rarely taken to the saddle since the last Ark Cycle Challenge.

“The climate is more my concern than the distance, especially given my lack of experience in such heat and what other riders have said about exhaustion levels.

“My last ride was from Paris to Chelmsford in a cool, crisp September, so the humidity could be punishing.

“There’s also a stop in Tarantula Town pencilled in the diary and if I have to cuddle up to a furry eight-legged creature to raise money for such an incredible charity then I’m in.”

The Ark Centre was opened in 2015 by Sarah Day, a parent of two children with autism.

The centre provides the children with the readiness to learn skills which enable them to access learning opportunities.

Katie, who is also a long-term supporter of the children’s charity, the NSPCC, added: “Helping so many autistic children is just simply an opportunity that I couldn’t turn down, if anyone gives whatever they can it would be genuinely appreciated.”

She will set off on February 14.

To read more about Katie’s story and to donate visit mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/katieskingle2.