A GRANDMOTHER has set out on a virtual cycle ride from Land's End to John O' Groats to raise funds for seafaring life savers.

Barbara Townsend, 80 and from Axminster, has clocked up more than 300 miles so far on her virtual cycle ride to raise funds for the RNLI.

Mrs Townsend, who has seven grandchildren, has sailed the Atlantic Ocean three times with her husband David, now 84, in their 42 foot sailing boat.

She has been riding her bike every day since beginning the challenge at the start of August and has currently reached the distance to Birmingham on her virtual journey. From Lands End to John O' Groats is around 870 miles, so she has made it around a third of the way.

Mrs Townsend has raised £970 for the RNLI already, having smashed her target of £500 within the first two weeks of the challenge.

Mrs Townsend said: “The RNLI does a fantastic job, and when we used to pop over to France it was always comforting to know the volunteers of the RNLI were always there if we needed them. Fortunately we never had to call them out.

"As a charity, the RNLI depends on our donations so it can go on saving lives and keeping us and our loved ones safe.

"I am cycling around 20 kilometres a day and am now 450 kilometres on my way and nearing Birmingham."

She added: "Everyone’s generosity in donating to the RNLI has been overwhelming and has exceeded my target of £500."

Mrs Townsend’s donation page can be found at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/barbara-townsend