Jess Williams, of High Street, Needingworth, has been training hard ahead of the long-distance challenge, one of the toughest in cycling. The 23-year-old, who rides to work every day at Hinchingbrooke Hospital where she is a health care assistant on a stroke rehabilitation ward, will be accompanied by her dad, Graham. They intend to set off from home at midnight on Friday, June 20 and aim to reach their destination, Blyth, near Newcastle, by about 10pm on the Saturday. Its the longest day of the year so we should only be in the dark for about four hours, said Jess, who is a member of St Ives Cycling Club. The further north you get, the more hills there are. That will be the tricky part. Mr Williams, who has planned their route to avoid main roads, completed a similar ride with his son, Alan, about two years ago, although they did it over two days. Jess, however, is taking on the challenge after becoming interested in cycling only two years ago. Before that, she ran for Nene Valley Harriers, specialising in 5k, 3k and cross country. Im looking forward to the challenge, she said. Ive been doing 250 miles training a week so I know Ill be able to do it. It will be a family affair, with Jesss mum, Carol, in the support car, keeping them well fed and watered. They have also received support from Grafham Cycling which has supplied energy gels and drinks, as well as tyre firm Michellin, who Mr Williams works for. Jess, who studied sport, health, exercise and nutrition at Leeds University, is raising money for the Woodlands Cancer Centre extension appeal, after a number of people she knows were affected by cancer. She said: I know through work how much the extension to the building is required and that it will make a huge difference to so many peoples lives. INFORMATION: To sponsor Jess, visit www.justgiving.com/Jess-Williams1990.
