RMS Ambassador completes epic Thailand cycle challenge

Schools across South-East Asia are set to receive the gift of microscopy thanks to an epic fundraising effort by RMS Ambassador Michael Harrison.
 
Michael, who is co-founder of Asian-based consulting and research organisation, The Eolais Institute, embarked on a two-week, charity bike ride across Thailand to raise awareness of microscopy and bring science – particularly marine biology - closer to children at rural schools in the region.
 
His journey began in Bangkok, before heading northwards through the ancient kingdom of Ayutthaya, and then on to the cities of Sing Buri and Sukhothai. Stretching further north, Michael’s gruelling ride took him via Thailand’s highest mountain, Doi Inthanon, after which he descended into the historic city of Chiang Mai. After setting his course for the Isaan region in the northeast of the country, Michael took a coastal route back south, through the bustling town of Lopburi, before reaching his final destination, Pattaya.
 

Along the way, Michael visited universities and schools, helping to promote science and microscopy on behalf of the RMS. In Pattaya, he also visited an orphanage, where he made a substantial donation of essential supplies.
 
Michael said: “My goal was simple: to inspire young minds by providing microscopes to rural schools, giving them the opportunity to peer into a world they had never seen before - and hopefully ignite an interest in science. The excitement in those classrooms reaffirmed my belief in the power of curiosity - the very force that had driven me to undertake this journey in the first place.”
 
With the funds raised from his ride, Michael will be purchasing microscopes to distribute to underprivileged schools across Southeast Asia during the Easter holidays.
 
He added: “My hope is that, through these small instruments, I can open doors to a world of discovery for children who might otherwise never have had the chance.”