Lisa's Coast to Coast charity cycle challenge in Costa Rica

Lisa Clements, 43, took to her bike in October to raise money to help support three charities in their fight against cancer.

Lisa, who lives in Westonzoyland, joined 85 other women to cycle from coast to coast in Costa Rica, travelling 360km and tackling some tough and hilly terrain.

Mrs Clements, who is raising funds for Breast Cancer Now, Ovarian Cancer Action and Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust, said: "I’ve been supporting these charities since 2013 and just love the feeling of fundraising also the buzz you get when to the country and start your cycling knowing your efforts are going to make a difference to people’s lives."

This is Lisa's fifth overseas challenge and she has raised around £17,500 to date.

Lisa said: "I knew this challenge was going to be a tough one as I lost my friend Jacqui in January to secondary breast cancer.

"I just wanted to make her proud.

"I run my own Slimming World groups in Bridgwater and already knew the benefits of eating healthy and getting fit but over time had just lost sight of that.

"So when Jacqui passed away I new I had to make some life style changes not only for my health but I also new that by losing 10 per cent of my body weight I could reduce the risk of getting cancer myself."

So Lisa joined a local group in Bridgwater on a Tuesday night at the end of Jan 19 and began her journey again.

"I was loving being a member said Lisa, talking about food and the help and support I got from my fellows members and my own group members was amazing.

"I enjoyed trying new recipes and still carried on with my all times favourites too like curry, chilli and risotto - all good healthy choices on the Slimming World plan.

"When I arrived at the airport 5st 3lb lighter I felt amazing and new the cycle was going to be that much easier not carrying that weight with me."

Lisa is doing one final overseas challenge cycling through Thailand and hopes to raise £5,000 this time and keep her target weight long term.