Helen's Ride Pray Laugh adventure

USQ Acting Director of Marketing, Recruitment and Admissions (Domestic) Helen Black is about to swap her corporate life for that of a motorbike adventurist when she spends three months riding through the Middle East raising funds for UNICEF.

From the blue waters of Aegean Sea to the mystery of Black Sea, her journey will take her through Greece, Turkey, Lebanon, Iran and Syria. And despite current tensions in some areas of the Middle East, Helen will ride solo crossing some of the world’s most infamous boarders.

And while her journey may be about adventure and exploration, it is just as much about raising money for children in need.

'Lots have people have asked me why I am doing this and I don't really have an answer that makes sense. I am keen to do something that takes me out of my comfort zone and helps people at the same time,' she said.

Why is her blog titled Ride Pray Laugh?

'Ride- It allows me to feel like part of the country - smell everything, feel the weather, hear the noises. Riding is not something I have been involved with for very long so this trip will help me test myself. Riding also takes me places that only a bike can get you to - off the beaten track.

'Pray- There is a part of me that needs to reconnect with what's important (and I'll need some heavenly help to get through some of the manic traffic!)

'Laugh-I want to really engage with the people I meet, enjoy the culture, learn new things, dance where I can and smile at this world (and because I'll need to have a sense of humour!)”

Helen leaves USQ on 25 March to prepare for her journey which begins on 13 April.

'Why, is probably a good question...I don't really have an answer that makes sense,' she said.

UNICEF helps to provide emergency care for natural disasters, war and they are working to increase the education of girls. If you would like sponsor Helen, or make donation she had started an Everyday Hero account to aid her in her fundraising. You can also tune into her Blog to see what she is up to on the way http://helensmiddleeastadventures.blogspot.com/