A Cowling woman who lost two friends and ex-colleagues to cancer has struck back at the illness by cycling 5,000 miles in aid of a leading charity.

Gemma Towell, 35, decided to take action in January when she set herself the gruelling challenge of covering the mammoth distance before Christmas, all in aid of Cancer Research.

She had already managed an incredible 2,286 miles by May.

“There have been times when I’ve been cycling along while feeling very tired,” she said. “But then you just remind yourself why you’re doing it, and think about your friends and family who are going through something much worse.

“I can’t believe I’ve managed it – it feels a bit surreal. I’d planned to do something big. I’m fairly physically fit, but this was a much longer distance than I normally do.”

As part of her successful quest to rack up the miles, she has ridden the length of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal and participated in the Sheffield Man of Steel competition. She also took on the notoriously difficult Tough Mudder assault course at Broughton Hall in.

Her two former colleagues died of cancer while she was carrying out the challenge.

Mrs Towell, of Pinnacle View, said one of her current colleagues, who had breast cancer, has only recently received the all-clear. She also has an uncle who was diagnosed with cancer last year.

She passed the 5,000 mile mark on November 18 during her cycle to her workplace at Whitakers Chocolate in Skipton. She was greeted by William Whitaker, the company’s managing director, as she arrived at work.

She has raised £2,300 in total, and in recognition of her achievement, her employer has matched the amount and presented her with a cheque for an additional £2,300.

Mr Whitaker said: “Gemma has been an inspiration to everyone during her mammoth year-long cycle and fundraising campaign.

“We are all proud of her.”

Mrs Towell thanked her family for supporting her effort, including her husband, daughter, her brother and sister-in-law.