TO raise cash for a charity a charity that is dear to her heart, a Cricklade mum will be taking on her longest cycling challenge yet when she journeys 1000 miles from John O’Groats to Lands End.

Jackie Blastland, aged 58, will be jumping in the saddle on May 15 in order to raise cash for the Genesis Research Trust, which helps women, who have problems with their pregnancy, such as a miscarriage.

Mrs Blastland has done two previous cycle challenges, one involving her cycling from Vietnam to Cambodia and last year when she went cycled in Sri Lanka, but this is the furthest distance she has ever travelled on a bike.

“There's going to be hills and I hate hills but it will all be worthwhile as this charity does such fantastic research to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of a range of devastating conditions affecting women and their babies,” Mrs Blastland said,

“I'm lucky that I have two fantastic children and a gorgeous grandson so I want to help those who haven't had that good fortune. I will get there, even if it is slow, but I will have at the back of my mind all of you who have taken the time to support and sponsor me.

“I am no spring chicken at 58 years old so this is a huge challenge for me and I am training in earnest for this challenge apart from having to raising fund.”

Mrs Blastland will cycle 57 miles a day and aims to raise £57,000 for the charity.

Genesis Research Trust raises money for the largest UK-based collection of scientists and clinicians who are doing research into the causes and cures for conditions that affect the health of women and babies.

To sponsor Mrs Blastland visit www.justgiving.com/Jackie-Blastland3