British man cycles 1,600km to save Vietnamese children with heart disease

(VNF) - A British man cycles 1,600km from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City in 16 days starting September 3rd, to raise awareness and funds to help Vietnamese children with congenital heart disease.

Mr. Scott Kirkham ready for his 16 days ride (Photo: facebook/cyclefor16)

After moving to Vietnam last year with his family, Scott Kirkham quickly realized that he wanted to help disadvantaged children who live a life in contrast to his own, acknowledging he is grateful to have a good life with two healthy and happy kids.

“It was intuitive. I’m a father and my wife and I wanted to find a way to give something back to this wonderful country,” Kirkham said.

Working with international brand activation agency Geometry Global and Heartbeat Vietnam Fund, Kirkham created a campaign called Cyclefor16 that has so far reached over 750,000 people and rose more than USD 50,000. The numbers are far beyond anything he expected, he said.

The 16-day ride, the main activity of Cyclefor16, is meant to raise awareness about his initiative.

“We decided that we need to kick off with something different, physically challenging, something that links to health, heart and also children,” he said.

This is not the first time Kirkham has done charity work in Vietnam. Last year he joined some kitchens to serve disadvantaged people in Ho Chi Minh City.

Scott Kirkham visits Hoang, the first child to receive the life-saving surgery he needs due to the donations received for the cycle for 16 initiatives. (Photo: facebook/cyclefor16)

On September 3^rd, Scott Kirkham and fellow riders started their ride in Hanoi. Cycling down the country via Cuc Phuong National Park, Hue, Hoi An, Da Lat and Nha Trang, they will ride the final 120km from Vung Tau on September 17^th.

As a tribute to the great support from Caravelle Hotel for the charity, he will finish his ride underneath its open archway, ready to meet and thank the wonderful donors who have saved so many lives.

To donate to Cyclefor16, please visit gofundme.com/cyclefor16 to donate in USD or see facebook.com/cyclefor16 for details about VND donations.

“Everybody who donates to our initiative is on our list with the children,” Kirkham said.