NEWTON Abbot-born Esther Amery and her friend Leigh-Anne Crossley, from Middlesborough, have set off on a challenging 9,000km bike ride across South East Asia to raise money for the mental health charity, Mind. The pair will be cycling through four countries – Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia – and while on their journey the duo will be participating in volunteer projects.

Cycling duo Esther Amery and Leigh-Anne Crossley are five days into their gruelling charity bike ride and so far the pair, who departed from Heathrow last Wednesday and headed to South East Asia, have travelled 497k from the Thai capital Bangkok, to Tak Province, north of the country.

Leigh-Anne hasn’t had the best start to the trip – on day three she had two punctures.

The local Thai police have stopped the pair on numerous occasions to take pictures and given them water as they cycle in 36°C heat.

As well as the Mid-Devon Advertiser series covering their trip, a local newsletter in Thailand have taken an interest in their project.

Leigh-Anne said: ‘It’s tough going but I am remaining determined with my wally tan lines.’

Esther said: ‘I have been overwhelmed by the Thai kindness and generosity. All the positive encouragement is helping with this epic challenge towards a truly worthy charity.’

To donate to the charity Mind, visit http://bit.ly/1V9jQrB.