Maria Sipari raises 10,000 euros after 300-kilometre charity ride

Maria Sipari, from the city of Lappeenranta, has raised 10,000 euros for low-income families with children and children’s hobbies after completing a 300-kilometre cycling route on a children’s bicycle, Yle reported.

Donations came from Finland and abroad. The City of Lappeenranta has promised to help Sipari distribute the funds.

Sipari said she felt unreal when she saw the balance of the bank account opened for the fundraiser. Her hands began to shake when she realised the fundraising target had been reached.

She said she was deeply grateful to the companies and private individuals who took part in the campaign.

The ride took more than 20 hours

As part of the fundraiser, Sipari took part in the Saimaa Cycle Tour cycling event in July. The 300-kilometre route went around Lake Saimaa, starting and ending in Imatra.

Sipari, who is short-statured, completed the route on a 24-inch children’s bicycle. She rode as part of a team and said both the other cyclists and the support crew played an important role.

Fatigue and pain began to set in on the hilly roads around Puumala. Sipari said the charity cause motivated the team to continue to the finish.

The team included 29 cyclists, three times as many as the previous year. Sipari completed the route with the team last year as well, but this time the journey took more than 20 hours, about an hour longer than before.

After the ride, Sipari fell asleep in the car as soon as she sat down. She said her recovery began relatively quickly and that she was cycling again within a few days.

Sipari said she intends to take part in the Saimaa Cycle Tour again next year to raise money for charity, provided she remains healthy.