A retired midwife is saddling up for the bike ride of a lifetime.

Angela Guest is tackling a gruelling 400km route through Cuba in support of three cancer charities.

The 55-year-old mother-of-two will be part of a women-only team of more than 60 cyclists.

They aim to complete the Women V Cancer venture over five days in October.

“I hadn’t cycled for a long time but I wanted a challenge and had been thinking about doing something for a while,” said Mrs Guest, who lives at Farnhill.

“With the Tour de France coming this year, cycling is in the spotlight and I’ve got involved with Breeze groups, which offer cycling just for women – so it’s much less intimidating!

“It’s nice riding with a group, you meet lots of other people and they’re a very friendly bunch.

“I’m putting in plenty of training, with at least four rides a week, and am really enjoying it.”

Mrs Guest aims to raise at least £2,900, which will benefit Breast Cancer Care, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust and Ovarian Cancer Action. A donation will also go to support cancer care in Cuba. She has so far raised nearly £1,000.

“Everybody knows someone who has been affected by cancer,” she said.

“Breast cancer charities are quite well supported, but others do not get as much publicity and the more awareness we can raise – as well as funds – the better.”

She said her husband, Andy, was extremely supportive of her mammoth challenge. “He’s not a cyclist himself but he’s very sports minded and has been out giving me support,” said Mrs Guest, who worked at Airedale Hospital as a nurse before becoming a midwife. She retired last year.

She is appealing to individuals and businesses for sponsorship.

To donate, call 01535 632174, find her fundraising page at justgiving.com or text Anji58 to 70070 with a donation amount.