A WOMAN who only bought a bike last year is taking on a 300-mile cycling challenge to raise money for cancer charities.

Joanne Faulkner, from Chapelford, describes herself as ‘unfit, overweight and an utter non-cyclist’ but is determined to complete the three-day cycle in a women’s-only charity event in October.

Joanne said: “Sadly, all of us have been affected by cancer one way or another.

“Friends, family and colleagues – we’ve all known someone who has been affected or lost someone to this horrible disease.

“If I can help just a bit by putting myself through a bit of pain – unlike cancer sufferers, that I know will end in just three days – I absolutely will.”

The 41-year-old will begin her journey in central London where she will leave early to beat the rush hour traffic and head out across the North Downs and the first hills of the ride.

After tackling the hilly areas, Joanne will then reach Portsmouth and board the ferry to Caen overnight.

After docking at 7am the next morning, Joanne will be back in the saddle, leaving Caen behind and cycling towards Rouen and then on into Lisieux

The team will then stop in Evreux for their second evening, averaging 85km a day.

Fuelled by ‘painkillers and tears’, Joanne says the final day will be her hardest, as the team make their final journey towards Paris.

The HR worker added: “As we head towards the finish line in Paris, we cycle up the Champs-Elysee, around the Arc de Triomphe and towards the Eiffel Tower – where a well-earned glass of champagne will be waiting, or two I hope!”

The challenge is raising funds for Breast Cancer Care, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust and Ovarian Cancer Action.

Joanne has paid for the cost of the trip herself but needs to raise a minimum of £1,600 to take part in this event – so every little helps.

She said: “Just £1 could make the difference in finding a new treatment, extending someone’s time with their family and friends or hopefully, one day, they may even find a cure.

“This is a HUGE challenge for me, mentally and physically but nothing in comparison to those experiencing the effects of cancer - either personally or indirectly.”

You can help Joanne reach her target via https://www.justgiving.com/Joanne-Faulkner4