TWO East Yorkshire women will pedal for pounds when they cycle coast-to-coast next month.

Jo Appleton, 33, and her friend, Jackie Cooper, 44, both of Barmby Moor, are cycling from Morecambe to Bridlington in aid of Macmillan Cancer Relief's York Appeal.

The pair have had personal experience of cancer, as Jo's father, Fred Rudd, and Jackie's sister have both been diagnosed with cancer and have been helped personally by Macmillan nurses.

The duo have raised almost £1,000 in sponsorship so far for the three-day challenge, which will start on Friday, August 8.

Jo said the treatment from the Macmillan nurses was "second to none."

She said: "My dad thinks that the Macmillan nurses are angels and as cancer is touching more and more people we wanted to give something back."

Jackie, who came up with the challenge idea, said: "If we were going to go through quite an uncomfortable time we thought we might as well raise some money for a good cause.

"My sister and Jo's dad have Macmillan nurses and we thought that would be the ideal thing.

"My sister said they have been brilliant and they really do help because they are not like doctors, they are just ordinary people."

The money that Jo and Jackie raise will be added to the Macmillan York Appeal that was launched last June to raise £400,000 to fund two additional Macmillan nurses and a Macmillan GP.

All these posts will be based in York and will benefit cancer patients in our local area.

Alex Emsley, Macmillan Cancer Relief's York Appeal co-ordinator said: "Jo and Jackie's determination is incredible."

Jo said: "We can help Macmillan by putting a little leg work into raising money, we think our pain is nothing compared to cancer patients."

If you would like to sponsor Jo and Jackie in their 150 mile challenge or would like more information about the Macmillan York Appeal phone Alex Emsley on 01904 756402 or email her on aemsley@macmillan.org.uk

Updated: 10:59 Thursday, July 10, 2003