MOTHER-of-two Anne Ash has returned from the fund-rarsing trip of a lifetime - cycling 400kms across Kenya.

Anne, from Bedale, joined 100 other women from across the UK on the five-day ride, raising money for WomenVCancer, an organisation that supports three other cancer charities that directly effect women.

They covered up to 98 kilometres a day travelling along a gruelling route that took them along the Elgeyo Escarpment, up to a height of 2,293 meters, and along the shores of Lake Victoria and crossing the Equator.

She raised money for the trip by hosting women’s only cocktail parties, attending numerous car boot sales and selling on donated costume jewellery, supported by friend and neighbour Anthea Adam and the Jersey Shop in Bedale.

Anne is married to Kim who, after a long career in the RAF, now works with 609 Sqn Royal Auxiliary Air Force at RAF Leeming.

"After supporting Kim for 34 years in his Air Force career and raising two wonderful girls I decided to personally commit to this challenge,” said Anne.

“I wanted to achieve something different and join like-minded women in support of these extremely worthwhile charities.”

She added: “The Kenyan people were friendly and pleased to see you and the trip was fast moving, emotional and extremely challenging. I met a fantastic group of women who I will now class as lifetime friends."