A DEDICATED fundraiser will take on the challenge of a lifetime when she cycles from London to Paris for a baby charity.

Amanda Smith will complete the 300-mile challenge in April next year to raise funds for Sands, a charity she has supported since her friend and work colleague Rachel Tudge gave birth to a stillborn baby in 2005.

Sands is a charity which supports anyone who has been affected by the death of a baby before, during or shortly after birth.

It offers emotional support and information for parents, grandparents, siblings, children, families, health professionals and others.

Mrs Smith, who works at Marshalls quarry in Ramsbottom, has previously completed the Great North Run, the Blackpool half marathon and The British 10k London Run for Sands — but she expects this latest fundraiser to be the toughest one yet.

Mrs Smith, aged 38, of Elton, said: “This challenge is the ultimate challenge for me — the longest I’d ever cycled before I signed up was five miles.

“But I’ll make sure I’m ready for it. I’ve been hitting the gym four times a week and cycling to work, so hopefully if I get all the training out the way it will make it easier for me.

“Doing these fundraisers is a very emotional experience. I do all of these fundraisers for Rachel, and to support those who are in a similar position to her."

On April 22, Mrs Smith will cycle 95 miles from London to Dover, before getting a ferry to Calais, where she will stay overnight.

She will then cycle 75 miles from Calais to Abbeville, 90 miles from Abbeville to Beauvais, and 60 miles from Beauvais to Paris, where she will finish on April 26.

Her fundraising efforts have been commended by Mrs Tudge, who now has two healthy children and has completed various fundraisers for Sands with Mrs Smith.

Mrs Tudge, aged 32, of Rossendale, said: “It’s absolutely amazing that Amanda is doing this. This fundraiser is massive for me and for Sands.

“Amanda is crazy to do something like this, but when she sets her mind to something, she will always do it.

“She’s been amazing to me through all these years and I don’t think I would’ve got through it without her.”

Mrs Smith must raise a minimum of £1,450 for Sands from the bike ride and will be sponsored £1 for every mile she cycles by Marshalls’ PR team.

To donate money towards Mrs Smith’s bike ride or find out more: visit www.doitforcharity.com/amandasmith.