A DARLINGTON mother raised more than £7,000 for cancer charities after completing a sponsored cycle ride across Vietnam.

Mum of two Michelle Thompson returned from the 700km challenge last week.

"It was incredibly hard, a lot tougher than I ever imagined", said Ms Thompson yesterday.

"We cycled for 55 hours, covering 700km in eight days in 108 degree heat. When I wasn't crying, I was laughing hysterically - there was no in between!"

Michelle raised more than £7,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support, with the biggest donation came from the women of Darlingtons traveller community at Honeypot Lane.

"I would like to thank everybody who supported me", she said.

"That £7,000 is going to make such a difference to people living with cancer in the Darlington area."