County Durham botanist's 88km horse trek for Teesdale's flora

Dr Bradshaw, 95, only took up riding two years ago yet has just trekked 55 miles across Teesdale, in County Durham.

She set off, on Sigma, from the Moorcock Inn, in Eggleston, in July, and tackled the route in sections.

She and riding companion Tricia Snaith finished the ride back at the pub last Friday.

Read more: Four Teesdale Scouts received prestigious award

Dr Bradshaw has used the ride to raise funds for her charity, the Teesdale Special Flora Research and Conservation Trust, so it can continue work surveying and protecting the dale’s unique assemblage of plants including blue spring gentian and hoary rock-rose.

Among the well-wishers who greeted Dr Bradshaw were botanist John O’Reilly, who set Dr Bradshaw the challenge and did the Great North Run for the charity, and Bishop Auckland MP Dehenna Davison.

The campaign has raised about £5,000 so far and donations can still be made at justgiving.com/campaign/teesdalespecialflora

95-year-old Dr. Margaret Bradshaw and Tricia Snaith complete their sponsored trek in the village of Eggleston Picture: STUART BOULTON

95-year-old Dr. Margaret Bradshaw and Tricia Snaith are greeted by supporters and local MP Dehenna Davison on the completion of their sponsored trek in the village of Eggleston Picture: STUART BOULTON

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