SHE may be leaving the maternity ward and moving to pastures new but health worker Susie Cross is determined to leave a little reminder for the babies she leaves behind.

By Jessica Nicholls

SHE may be leaving the maternity ward and moving to pastures new but health worker Susie Cross is determined to leave a little reminder for the babies she leaves behind.

The 45-year-old is about to pedal nearly 700 miles across Florida to raise money for a special bed and blanket that helps jaundiced babies.

The mother of three and her husband John decided on the adventure trip after John suffered a heart attack last year.

Mrs Cross from Bell Lane, Kesgrave said: "John's attack, which came out of the blue, woke us up to the fact that you must reach for your dreams now."

She has been working as a health care assistant in Brook Ward at Ipswich Hospital for the past 11 years but has now decided to leave to start her own business.

But before she goes she wants to raise at least £2,000 to buy the special bed called a Bilibed

For two weeks she and her husband John will risk saddle soreness, aching muscles and even the odd alligator as they cycle from Orlando via Coco and Ormond beach to Naples and Fort Myers beach, taking a diagonal journey, 680 miles across Florida.

And after a day of cycling the couple will not be going to a luxury hotel to be pampered – instead they will be squeezing into a two-man tent for the night.

The couple are both really looking forward to their trip which they are financing with their own money.

Both keen cyclists they have been doing some long rides in Wales and the Cotswolds as training.

Mrs Cross said: "I cycle into work everyday which is about three or four miles.

The pair are planning to undertake their ride from November 9 to November 24 and every donation is welcome.

Donations can be sent to Susie Cross, c/o Brook Ward, Maternity, Ipswich Hospital, Heath Road, Ipswich.