A local cyclist has raised over £4,000 in a charity challenge that saw her ride over 24 hours for MS Society.

Setting out on Friday 28th January at 5:30pm, Helen Napier, 51, based in Manaccan on the Lizard, ended up cycling for 24 1/4 hours covering 400 miles.

Helen's chosen charity is close to her heart as her older sister Sarah is a sufferer.

She even received support from Paralympian and I'm a Celebrity star Kadeena Cox MBE.

Not the best start, Helen woke up with a migraine and feeling sick, forcing her to throw up - meaning carb loading was out of the question.

The cycle was on the verge of being cancelled. However, Helen got on the bike and battled on.

Helen discusses some of the challenges during the ride, saying:

"I started to develop saddle sores at about the 18 hour mark despite changing bib shorts, washing and reapplying anti-chafe cream every 2 hours. It meant more time standing up on the pedals which is more energy-draining on the legs - but it gave me some relief from the pain.

"I have mild neuropathy in my little and ring fingers on both hands from the pressure of holding on to the handlebars for so long. I changed hand positions and sat up as much as possible to try to minimise this.

"The neuropathy and saddle sores were kind of inevitable as riding on a turbo trainer is completely different to riding in real life. You have to keep pedaling otherwise you stop moving, there are no freewheeling downhills."

The initial fundraising target was £500 - but well over £4,000 has been raised alongside £700 gift aid.

Helen said she is "totally blown away" by the support of friends, family, and those on cycling app Zwift.

"Some of them set their alarm clocks for 4am so they could ride with me or check-in to see how I was doing. They were truly amazing and I've made some very good friends because of this ride," Helen added.

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