\n Katherine Willoughby, from Alton Pancras, rode 60 miles a day for 60 days to mark her 60th birthday and to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.\n<\/p>\n
\n She completed the challenge in memory of her late brother-in-law, Les Young, who received support from the charity during his battle with cancer.\n<\/p>\n
\n Mrs Willoughby said: “Life does get difficult when you get older but I wanted to keep motivating myself,”\n<\/p>\n
\n “You get to the menopause and it gets difficult.\n<\/p>\n
\n “I thought this is my time to really push myself and challenge myself.”\n<\/p>\n
\n The journey began on May 7 in northern France, following what she described as a “wiggly piggly” route through scenic villages, finishing in the Champagne region.\n<\/p>\n
\n She was supported by her wife Deb and their dog, who travelled alongside her in a motorhome.\n<\/p>\n
\n Mrs Willoughby finished her ride in Champagne (Image: Supplied)\n<\/p>\n
\n Part of her motivation was the prospect of reaching Bordeaux in time to watch the England Women’s rugby team play.\n<\/p>\n
\n Mrs Willoughby said: “I heard that the Red Roses were playing in Bordeaux on May 17 and thought that’s my motivation to get there and get some tickets for that.”\n<\/p>\n
\n Despite being a regular cyclist, she admitted this was well beyond her previous experience.\n<\/p>\n
\n She faced a range of tough conditions, including rain, strong winds and extreme heat reaching up to 41C.\n<\/p>\n
\n There were moments of exhaustion, particularly at the halfway point.\n<\/p>\n
\n She said: “There were low points though.\n<\/p>\n
\n “When I got about halfway I thought I’ve got to do this all again.\n<\/p>\n
\n “At one point I was so tired I couldn’t get my leg over the crossbar.”\n<\/p>\n
\n So far, she has raised \u00a3750 for Macmillan Cancer Support and donations are still welcome.\n<\/p>\n
\n Les Young (Image: Supplied)\n<\/p>\n
\n She said: “Les was a larger than life character whom we miss everyday in our lives.\n<\/p>\n
\n “Watching him struggle with cancer was one of the hardest things I’ve had to see.”\n<\/p>\n
\n “It’s a horrible disease that hits so many of us and we were grateful of the support from Macmillan charity.”\n<\/p>\n