CYCLIST Gemma Towell is celebrating after completing the iconic End to End ride of Great Britain - and raising almost £3,000 for two charities.

The mother-of-one, from Cowling, completed the 940-mile route from John O’Groats to Land’s End in nine days solo and unsupported - apart from the psychological support of friends riding with her for some of the way, and a rendezvous with husband Peter and daughter Ashleigh towards the finish.

Gemma, 38, a production co-ordinator at Whitakers Chocolates in Skipton, rode to back cricketing great Ian Botham’s Beefy’s Foundation, her employer's chosen charity, and cancer research.

She said: “It was very tough at times but the weather was mostly quite pleasant and the bike didn’t let me down - not even a puncture. There were odd times when I felt a bit down just because of the relentlessness of churning out more than 100 miles a day, but most of the time it was fairly enjoyable.

“But I had miscalculated the route and ended up doing many more miles than I thought I was going to, which added on an extra day. I also found it difficult to navigate through urban areas on occasions - it never looks like you imagine it does on the map!

“I also made the mistake of putting on new pedals before the start and I have paid for that with an Achilles problem.

“But arriving at Land’s End was just great - knowing I had managed it was a fantastic feeling.”

Gemma carried all the gear she needed, including a small tent, on the bike and stayed at campsites along the way, except for a couple of nights when she slept in the homes of friends along her route.

Her longest day’s ride was 132 miles and the shortest was just 53 - on the last day of the journey.

She took up cycling in earnest about three years ago when a colleague at Whitakers was diagnosed with cancer at the age of just 33.

In 2013 Gemma rode 5,000 miles on her mountain bike to raise cash for cancer research.

She undertook the End to End to raise money for Ian Botham’s charity, which helps to fund specific projects relating to chronic illnesses faced by young people.

Gemma’s ride has helped her to raise about £2,500 for it so far, while several hundred pounds will go to cancer research.

Gemma said: “I was riding solo but actually you can’t do it without a lot of help from a lot of people.

“I’d like to thank all the colleagues, friends and family, and especially all the people who have given so generously.”

Further donations can be made at justgiving.com/fundraising/JustGemma-Towell3.