A HOLCOMBE Brook woman has cycled the length of the country – a year after taking up the hobby.

Dawn Moody, who lives in Peel Mount, was afraid to cross the main road on her bike last year, but set out on the challenge of cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats three weeks ago to raise money for charity.

The 58-year-old has been riding as part of a group of 12, and completed her gruelling challenge when she arrived at the north-eastern tip of Scotland on Friday.

Mrs Moody prepared for the ride by joining in with British Cycling Bury Breeze rides for women, and is also a member at Bury Clarion.

Her challenge has helped to raise more than £1,000 for Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue Team, a volunteer organisation providing 365-day mountain search and rescue across Lancashire.

Mrs Moody, who worked as a manager in the NHS before retiring five years ago, said: “It was a fabulous experience.

“I was looking for something to do that would really challenge me, but it is not just about that, but meeting new friends, and the fact it has opened up a whole new passion for me. I have massively fallen in love with cycling.

“When I finished, I was really happy I had managed it, but I was also sad that it had ended. I am already looking at what I can do next.

“If someone had told me 12 months ago that I would have cycled an average of 50 miles a day back to back, I would never have believed it.”

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/dawn-moody4.