The crisp, sunny weather was ideal for biking, and saw two enthusiastic groups of cyclists assemble outside the Estoi Pousada at 9.30. The groups both did challenging 40-kilometre round trips, returning to a local Estoi café for a well-deserved coffee.

Donations from those taking part totalled a fantastic 400 euros. RCEPI members donated a further 100 euros. With the Gates Foundation match this means 1500 euros will go to buy vaccines.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation joined the polio fight in 2013 and match two-to-one, every dollar the Rotary Foundation commits to reduce the funding shortfall for polio eradication. This year Bill Gates has also announced an additional donation of 30 billion dollars to the campaign. Strains of the virus have been found in England and the USA and it is vital to ensure that this doesn’t cause infection in the population.

Rotarians worldwide have helped immunize more than 2.5 billion children against polio in 122 countries. For as little as $0.60, a child can be protected against this crippling disease for life. As a result of this huge campaign, India was declared Polio free in 2012. At this time, polio only remains active in 2 countries, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

For further information on RC Estoi Palace International contact info@estoipalace.org, www.rotaryestoipalace.org and for Activity Bike Rides https://www.facebook.com/activityalgarvebikerides/.