Mother’s Day is normally a time to put the feet up and get pampered by the family but next year a group of go-getting mums will cycle rural Laos as part of a 13-day adventure to help build a new village health clinic for some of the world’s most vulnerable children.

Save the Children’s inaugural Mother’s Day Cycle event is now open for registrations with women of all ages encouraged to get involved.

All participants will volunteer in Save the Children’s vital Laos health and education programs, while learning about Laotian culture.

They will also meet and learn from Save the Children’s distinguished Chief Health Advisor Carol Perks – a 64-year-old Australian nurse who has been working with local communities and authorities to transform the lives of vulnerable families in Laos since 1991.

Participants are required to raise $7000 for the trip – just over half of which is donated directly to help Save the Children build a new village health clinic and train staff through the Laos Primary Health Care project. The other half of the funds is used for the cost of the trip.

“The participants will be challenging themselves physically by cycling through some of the most beautiful parts of Laos for a vital cause,’’ Born to Cycle Coordinator Janita Suter said.

Ms Suter said most mothers in Australia would be shocked to hear that every day 36 children under-five die due to preventable and treatable diseases in Laos. “The health situation of women and children in Laos is amongst the poorest in Southeast Asia,’’ she said.

“In the 20 years since Save the Children’s Primary Health Care Project has been operating in areas of Laos, the maternal and infant mortality rates have reduced by 80 per cent compared to the national average. But more needs to be done and this is a great way to assist.’’

A 63-year-old grandmother from Ormeau, Queensland has already signed up to take part in the challenge. Helen Jordan said that she had no hesitation to get involved after reading about the high infant mortality rate in Laos.

“I’ve heard that Laos is such a beautiful place and the people are very friendly so I’m really looking forward to the adventure and learning about the culture,’’ Ms Jordan said. “To have the chance to assist at health clinics and in schools will be a very rewarding experience.’’

The 13-day adventure will run from May 12 to 24. Flights out of Australia on Mother’s Day depart no earlier than midday, leaving plenty of time for breakfast in bed. For more information and to register go to www.savethechildren.org.au/cyclelaos