MICHELLE Holdsworth will be using pedal power at one of two major events aiming to raise thousands for a breast cancer charity.

The 34-year-old mum-of-two will take part in the Pink Ribbon ride at Woodstock’s Blenheim Palace on Saturday, May 12.

The 26 or 60-mile course takes place a day after a Pink Ribbonwalk at the West Oxfordshire stately home.

The aim is to raise over £50,000 for the Breast Cancer Care charity, which supports breast cancer sufferers and their families.

Mrs Holdsworth, who lives in Hook Norton, said: “I don’t know exactly how it came to be that I signed up.

“A friend, Kelly Spooner from my village, told me she wanted to do it and asked if I was interested – and before I knew it we were out on 7.30am cycle rides!”

Mum to Ellis, five, and Emily, two, Mrs Holdsworth added: “I’m not a great cyclist, but I do enjoy it and I have wanted to help a cancer charity for some time as I have sadly a lot of family history with cancer.

“My dad, Cledwyn Roberts, died from lung cancer 12 years ago, and a year after that my aunt died of ovarian cancer. My grandmother also had breast cancer.

“My brothers have both run the marathon for cancer charities, but there’s no way I am fit enough for that.

“This will be a challenge – 26 miles is a long way and I’m sure the highlight will be the finish line.

“But I think it will give me a real sense of achievement and I hope to raise several hundred pounds for Breast Cancer Care.”

Mrs Holdsworth did not have a great start to her training schedule because of the cold weather.

She said: “There were snow drifts, so obviously no cycling.”

The Pink Ribbonride is open to men and women and suitable for both new and experienced cyclists.

Both routes take participants through the grounds of Blenheim Palace and out into surrounding villages.

Actress Amanda Mealing, who starred in BBC1’s Holby City, has supported Breast Cancer Care since she was diagnosed with breast cancer 10 years ago and attended the Pink Ribbonride at Blenheim Palace in 2012.

She said: “I was diagnosed with breast cancer 24 hours after my second son was born, and just afterwards the breast cancer nurse gave me some pamphlets from Breast Cancer Care with information.

“From there on I have found the charity a wonderful support. “It is just an amazing organisation.”

GET INVOLVED

  • To take part, register at http://breastcancercare.org.uk/ribbonride
  • Registrations fees are £30 for the   26-mile course and £35 for the 60-mile course with a fundraising target of £100.
  • People raising £150 will receive a free Team Breast Cancer Care cycling jersey.