REDDITCH GP Gilly Cooper will set off on a gruelling 900-mile journey this weekend, raising money for charity along the way.
And she wants other people to follow her lead and hop on their bikes to get fit.
Gilly, a doctor at the Elgar House Surgery in Redditch town centre, will set-off on Sunday at the start of LEJOG – a 14-day ride taking her from Land’s End to John O’Groats.
She will be in the saddle for an average of 70 miles each day and is hoping to raise £3,000 for Women’s Aid – a charity fighting domestic violence.
She said: “It has been amazing getting fit enough for the challenge.
“I have talked of little else for months while I’ve been training and am confident that I’m ready for this.
“I have done more than 2,000 miles in training. The main thing is that I have proven that even a 60-year-old with little history of partaking in exercise can lose weight and get fitter.
“I hope that this will enthuse others to get fitter.”
Armed with her new bike, Gilly has joined Hopwood Ladies Cycling Club and admits she is hooked on her new form of transport.
“I’ve made a load of new friends and I’m very excited about the ride.” she added.
“It should be really enjoyable – as long as the weather is OK.”
Anyone able to sponsor Gilly can donate at www.justgiving.com/GillyRCooper – Gilly’s fund-raising page.
