A CHARITABLE woman from Halstead is set to take on a marathon biking challenge in memory of her mum.

Grace Ball, 29 and from Factory Lane East, Halstead, will be riding from London to Paris in September to raise money for St Helena Hospice.

In October 2014 her mum Susan passed away at the age of 61 from oesophageal cancer, and the fundraiser is Grace's way of trying to pay back the charity who helped her mum so much in her final moments.

Grace said: "They were truly wonderful and we can never thank them enough.

"I have also received counselling from the hospice, this is a free of charge service that wouldn't be able to continue without fundraising."

In October 2015 the keen cyclist rode from Colchester to Brussels, a 300 mile trip.

Now she is taking on a similar distance between the English and French capitals, hoping to raise an incredible £5,500 for the charity.

Grace said: "This is around the same distance as I cycled before but I'm told it's more hilly so, for those that think this won't be a challenge, believe me, it will be.

"I've not ridden more than 6 miles since getting back from Brussels over a year ago as well."

Donate www.justgiving.com/fundraising/graciel2p.

Grace has organised a quiz night at Halstead Town Football Club, who will be raising money for a defibrillator at the same time.

If you can help with the donation of raffle prizes, email grace.ball@hotmail.co.uk.