GETTING on a bicycle when you've not ridden one for nearly 40 years can be daunting. But imagine having to climb back on to pedal a gruelling 400km in temperatures up to 100 degrees.

That's exactly what Sue Brosnan is attempting to do when she crosses the famous canyons of America in five days to raise money for the charity, Scope.

Sue, 49, of Eshton Hall, Gargrave, said: "I haven't ridden a bike since I was 10 years old. But I hope I will be fit."

Sue was inspired to take part in the cycle ride after hearing a national appeal which tugged at her heart strings. She has been providing respite care for the family of seven-year-old Conner, who suffers from cerebral palsy.

Sue saw major changes in his personality after he joined a school run by Scope in Keighley. "It has really changed his life and he is a lot happier," she said.

Sue and her husband, Jim, have both been kitted out with bikes from Dave Ferguson Cycles in Skipton.

Although Jim is not attempting the Grand Canyon ride, he has offered to help with her training. "I'll only have myself to blame if I'm not fit," said Sue, who is soon to be a grandmother.

The gruelling ride begins on September 12 in Bryce Canyon in Utah, and takes riders through a Red Indian reservation, the Kaibab National Forest, and the Grand Canyon.

Sue has already received sponsorship from local businesses and the staff at Eshton Hall, but is appealing to Craveners to dig deep into their pockets as she hopes to raise at least £2,500.

Anyone wishing to sponsor her should ring 01756 749209.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.