As a keen runner, Helen Watson always liked to keep herself fit, but she hadn’t ridden a bicycle since she was a teenager.

So that’s why a 200-mile charity trek cycling across North West India is all the more daunting.

But Helen, a partner and head of employment law at Chester-based firm Aaron & Partners, decided to get back into the saddle for the first time in years and embark on a mammoth fundraising adventure that will see her cycle from Rajasthan to Jaipur for five days next month.

The 37-year-old is aiming to raise money for cancer charities, in memory of a close friend who died last year, and Claire House Children’s Hospice, where she is vice chairman of the board of trustees.

“I run regularly and am quite fit but this will be the biggest challenge of my life,” said Helen.

“I ran the London Marathon earlier this year, but getting your legs and body ready for long-haul cycling is an entirely different proposition.

“I have never been to India before and, while it’s a daunting prospect in many ways, I can’t wait to get out there.”

And she said she’s been spurred on by the recent Olympic Games.

“The performance of Bradley Wiggins and Team GB’s other cycling stars at the Olympics was inspirational,” she said.

“Their example will definitely help to keep me going during those long, hot days in the blazing sun.

“So far I have raised more than £3,000, which I’m really pleased with, but every penny counts and I would ask people to dig deep to support a fantastic cause.”

The ride has been organised by Women V Cancer, which supports charities researching breast, cervical and ovarian cancer.

To sponsor Helen online, visit www.justgiving.com/Helen-A-Watson.