A couple whose plans to take part in a tandem charity ride were halted when one of them was diagnosed with cancer are back on their bike.

Francesca and Pietro Cilenti, of Shipley, will take on the Malin to Mizen' Marie Curie challenge - a pedal from the most northerly point in Ireland to the most southerly in September.

The pair had intended to cycle the route for the charity last year but then Mrs Cilenti, 52, was told she had breast cancer.

"Unfortunately I had to go through a mastectomy and chemotherapy but now I'm fine," she said.

The couple had already intended to raise money for the cancer charity after Mr Cilenti's father died at the hospice at Maudsley Street, Bradford.

"I was just overawed by the organisation, the care - it's just fantastic," Mrs Cilenti said.

Already the couple, who have four children, have raised £3,000 in sponsorship. But they want to increase that as much as possible before they set off on their ride.

Mrs Cilenti said they had chosen to ride a tandem so they could support each other during the journey.

"We will be able to talk to each other," she said.

To sponsor them, call (01274) 741164.

To find out more about fundraising for Marie Curie visit www.mariecurie.org.uk.