THREE enthusiastic cyclists are going the distance to help a woman battling cancer.

The Stop the Clock Campaign (STCC), a Teesside charity, has raised thousands of pounds to help pay for treatment for Hartlepool woman Sandra Richardson, who has travelled as far as Mexico in a bid to find ways of managing breast cancer.

Mrs Richardson, who is the Women Into Enterprise officer for Business Link in the Tees Valley, recently received an award for her outstanding work in women's business support.

Phil Turner, Martin Green and Paul Barterby are taking part in a 200-mile Swedish bike ride, known as the Vatternrunden. The route is around Lake Vattern, in Motala, and it starts on June 17.

Phil Turner said: "As keen cyclists, we have taken part in this challenge in Sweden before, but felt this time that the STCC was such an inspirational cause and decided that this was the perfect opportunity to raise some more money.

"We're all very much looking forward to pulling in as much sponsorship money as possible, and taking in some of the most spectacular scenery in the world as we ride through both the day and night."

Judith Healey, from STCC, said: "We have received such tremendous support for the campaign, and it is wonderful when people decide to take on such challenges.

"Sandy is such a well-regarded, courageous woman who has done so much for so many over the years, hence the huge support we continue to get from people all over the North-East."

Anyone who would like to sponsor the cyclists should contact Judith Healey on (01642) 226922.

All sponsors will be entered into a prize draw to win a mini, which has been donated by Women Into the Network.