TWO Ludgershall mothers are gearing themselves up to take part in a 100-mile cycle ride along a route made famous by the London Olympics as part of a year of fundraising challenges.

Anouska Byrne and Kerrie O’Donnell will be taking part in the Prudential Ride London-Surrey in July – the same route used in the 2012 Olympics – raising money for Cancer Research UK.

When Anouska lost her good friend, Paul Smith, to cancer last year it made her determined to take on a number of challenges throughout the year and on telling friend, Kerrie O’Donnell, the pair decided to complete the challenges together and organise local fundraising events.

They began with a 5km run in at the Farnborough Winter Half in January and finished the London to Reading Bike Ride in just over three hours last month.

“This all started last year,” Anouska, 40, said, “when I lost my really good friend to cancer.

“It made me me have a reality check. Cancer always seemed to be something that happens to somebody else but then it happened to me and took the godfather of my youngest son. I wanted to do something to remember him and make sure that money keeps being raised for Cancer Research.”

They are training for the London to Surrey route while planning a pamper evening at the Queen’s Head in Ludgershall in June.

“The 100 miles seems more in reach now that we have completed the London to Reading ride and got a good time,” said 30-year-old Kerrie.

“It is a good achievement and it’s nice to know that we are raising money for such a good cause.

“Some of the event will be a bit of fun,” Anouska, a nanny, said, “but the 100 miles will take a lot of grit and determination to get round the route in one day. That’s nothing though to what people suffering have to endure for months on end.”

Although the pamper evening is invitation only, they are appealing to the community and businesses to donate raffle prizes to help build on the £300 that they have raised so far.

Anouska will take on the Salisbury Half Marathon in October before they finish off with another five or 10km run.

They will also be holding fundraising stalls at some of the summer fetes.

To donate visit the JustGiving page and search Challenge Noo & Kez or to donate a raffle prize contact Anouska by email at anouskabyrne@msn.com.