A YORK woman is embarking on an ambitious challenge to cycle 950 miles in nine days to raise money for charity.

On Sunday, Julie Rookes, 36, will set off from Lands End in Cornwall in a gruelling challenge to cycle to John O’Groats in Scotland.

She is part of a team of cyclists from across the country which hopes to raise thousands of pounds for Action Medical Research, a charity which is working to reduce premature birth rates and to improve the care of sick and vulnerable babies.

Julie, who is a carer for children with special needs, said: “This is a subject very close to my heart as I have worked with children who have special needs for a number of years. Two of the children I have worked with were born at about 25 weeks and have had numerous problems.”

Although she keeps fit by running with York Knavesmire Harriers, Julie said that cycling is a relatively new hobby.

But she said she has put in considerable training for the cycle ride with her friends who have been meeting her in shifts to keep her company during training.

Julie, who lives in Acomb, said: “I have trained in all weather, from minus five degrees celsius and snow to 75mph winds and heavy rain. I should be ready for whatever the great British weather throws at us.

“During my training the most I have done is three lots of 100 miles over three days. That was tough and by the end of day three I started thinking ‘how on Earth am I going to do another six days?’ “I have had fantastic support from my family and friends. The support of my ‘biking buddies’ has been invaluable and I can’t thank them enough.”

For more information or to sponsor Julie visit action.org.uk/sponsor/endtoendjrookes