A BRAVE mum has raised thousands of pounds after a gruelling 1,000-mile cycle trek in memory of two special friends.

Gemma Towell has so far generated more than £2,500 and clocked up exactly 1,534km in aid of Beefy’s Charity Foundation, which supports those with chronic illnesses. She decided to take on the challenge after seeing three of her friends and work colleagues, David Durkin, 60, Phil Tunney, 38 and Tina Leake, 33, struck by cancer.

Inspired by their bravery throughout the illness, the 37-year-old battled July’s tempestuous weather to travel solo on her bike from John O’Groats to Land’s End to do her pals proud. The unassisted ride was sponsored by Ilkley cycling-wear brand Fat Lad At The Back (FLAB).

Mum-of-one Gemma, of Cowling, said: “Well I did it. It was such an amazing experience, the weather was typically British and I got lost, of course.

“Looking back I was a little quiet at the start as I contemplated the journey ahead, and what a beautiful journey it was, full of every emotion you can imagine that all came to a head as I reached Land’s End.

“Arriving at Land’s End was very surreal, my husband Peter and daughter Ashleigh were there and made a massive fuss, but it kind of felt like midnight on New Year’s Eve – it was such a big build up and nothing actually happens at the end.

“However, I have to admit, I could have definitely carried on by the end of the ride – I felt physically great. I would encourage anybody to saddle up, especially if it’s for a good cause, as it’s one of my greatest achievements.”

In a bid to reach £10,000, a target set by her employer, Whitakers Chocolates, Gemma will continue to take on various excruciating bike rides this next year with the support of FLAB, for whom she has become a brand ambassador.

The cycle wear brand has provided essential clothing for her charity mission and much-needed backing for the road ahead.

She added: “I was heartbroken to see the suffering and pain of all three of my friends and their families. I just felt helpless, all I could do was stand by and watch.

“I have a lot of anger towards cancer and I wanted to put all of this built up hurt to good use and so decided to use it to fuel my fund-raising efforts.”

Now Gemma is urging others to saddle up, join the Fat Lad at the Back community and help raise funds and has issued a set of cycling tips to help people on their journey.

To sponsor Gemma visit: justgiving.com/JustGemma-Towell3.