The Duchess of Cambridge’s sister, Pippa Middleton, is cycling across the United States to raise money for a British charity, reports the Daily Mail.

The 30-year-old Middleton joins her brother, James, on a team of eight who will cycle across 12 states in just eight days as part of the Race Across America challenge.

She and her teammates departed from Oceanside Pier in northern San Diego County, Calif. on Saturday. Their journey concludes in Annapolis, Md.

Her team is cycling to raise money for the British Heart Foundation.

“I was shocked to learn that nearly three times more women die from coronary heart disease than breast cancer,” said Middleton, in a statement on the foundation’s website. “I’m passionate about raising awareness amongst women of this killer disease and I look forward to working with the BHF to highlight to women the risks of heart disease and importantly, how they can reduce them.”

Middle serves as an ambassador for the foundation.

Reports indicate that Middleton and her team plan to cycle 350 to 500 miles a day to reach their destination in time. Of the individuals have agreed to the race’s challenge for the past 32 years, fewer than 200 individuals have completed the task.

Around 275 racers are expected to compete in this year’s event. The long hours, little sleep and tough terrain prove to be some of the greatest challenges to cyclists.

“Riders regularly hallucinate through lack of sleep,” said race organizer Rich Boethling. “Pippa’s a tough cookie.”

Not only is Middleton the only female on her team, she’s one of only a few to compete in the race — ever.

“We are thrilled to welcome Pippa as a BHF ambassador,” said Simon Gillespie, the Chief Executive of the British Heart Foundation. “Together we can bring greater attention to the area of women’s heart health and help generate the vital funds to support our fight.”

Middleton’s efforts have raised more than $6,500 as of Sunday.