There's no watching the autumn  leaves in prospect for a 50-year-old Ellesmere Port woman.

Instead, Karen Manford-Walley will  be hopping on her bike for a 400-mile  ride from one side of Cuba to the  other in just a week.

She will be raising money via Action for Charity for the three recognised British breast, ovarian and  cervical cancer charities by taking  part in the Women V Cancer Cycle  Challenge.

The route across the Caribbean  island takes in plains, agricultural  land and sugar cane country.

Karen and others will be sharing  the roads with horse drawn carts,  vintage American cars and farm  vehicles.

Born and bred in Ellesmere Port,  Karen spent many years as a lecturer  in oncology at Clatterbridge Centre  for oncology and has also worked as  a trained nurse with cancer patients.

 “It is my work and experience of loss  of family members and friends and  friends who are currently being  treated for cancer  that has prompted  my involvement with this charity  ride,” she said.

“I am looking forward to this event  and of course I am a little nervous  about completing this challenge.”

Karen can often be  seen  training in the town.

She is also waiting for confirmation  from the Port Arcades for final permission for a static bike ride, possibly at the end of this month or early  September.

Karen is  also hoping to gain permission to do the same static ride at  Cheshire Oaks.

Karen travels to Cuba on October 10  with a short 30km warm-up ride  planned before tackling the route.