Above (l-r): Marissa Callaghan, Sally Wallace, Jane Atkinson and Rowena Macrae.

CANOWINDRA women Sally Wallace and Jane Atkinson, with Marissa Callaghan and Rowena Macrae from Coonamble, are four fit women on a mission.

Ms Wallace says she was brought into the team to fill the role of wise grandmother to the younger team members.

She spoke to CCN earlier this week, telling how the team envisages the project will work. Click the PLAY icon ►on the audio panel below to hear the interview.

The women kicked off the fund-raising and awareness campaign for Arthritis New South Wales last November to culminate in cycling from Vietnam to Cambodia in November this year as part of the arthritis group’s Cycle for Disability project.

It is the only team to have signed up from rural Australia.

The goal was to kick off 2013 with a bang by seeking 25 donations of $25 in 25 days.

Since the beginning of January the cyclists have blitzed that aim, garnering more than $4000 of the total of $5585 raised for Arthritis NSW.

The team is encouraging the community to help reach its target of $12,700, the minimum needed to participate in the ride.

All funds raised go directly to Arthritis NSW and amounts over $2 are tax deductible.

The women are responsible for their own air fares and expenses.

For Ms Atkinson, the fundraising is a personal – she was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing apondylitis in February 2010.

Both diseases mistakenly target one’s own body, causing inflammation of the joints and spine.

There is currently no cure for these auto-immune diseases.

To make a donation simply use your credit card and click this link http://vietnamtocambodia.gofundraise.com.au/page/AtkinsonJ

to help the women.

Alternatively, anyone wishing to make a cash or cheque donation may do so at Relish in Kendal St, Cowra, or The Phoenix office in the Star Building, 6 Ryall St, Canowindra, from10am until 6pm Monday to Fridays.

Receipts will be issued for tax and audit purposes.

Arthritis NSW supports people of all ages living with arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions by seeking to improve their quality of life.

It is a non-government health charity – further information at www.arthritisnsw.org.au/.

Updates on funds raised will be published on the Four Fit Ladies Facebook page at www.facebook.com/FourFitLadies.

Ms Wallace says team members are happy to answer any queries.

Phone Jane Atkinson on 0428 764 593, Rowena Macrae on 0457 258 489, Marissa Callaghan 0419 420 985 or Sally Wallace on 0487 441 583.