LE JOG – a popular challenge for cyclists

Mary Matthews, new directory of numeracy at Spen Valley High School, is cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats to raise money for former maths teaching assistant Marie Harrison.

Marie was left paralysed after an accident in Portugal in 2012.

She was walking along a cliff and the ground gave way beneath her.

The sports fan, who had to give up work after her accident, now wants to get back to cycling but needs a specially adapted bike, which costs £2,500.

So Mary is taking in the challenge to raise the cash for it.

Mary said: “I am the kind of cyclist who goes out for an hour down the canal on a sunny day – I am feeling very scared and nervous, but I am looking forward to the different stages.

“Marie used to enjoy riding her bike and getting out on the Greenway.

“The new bike will give her the freedom to get out again.

“When I told her I was going to do the challenge she just sobbed. She was overwhelmed.

“She has been so excited and has been trying out new bikes to see which one she would like.”

Mary said Marie had spent a lot of time in hospital in Portugal and then at Pinderfields.

Now she is looking forward to getting back into sport.

Marie and a friend are setting off on their ride on Monday to spend 13 days in the saddle. Sponsor them at www.mariesbike.moonfruit.com.