A SELF-confessed ‘adrenaline junkie’ and grandmother-of-10 will jump in the saddle for charity.

Lucia Borradaile, from Beaminster, will compete at Epsom Racecourse on Bank Holiday Monday.

Lucia, 60, shows no signs of slowing down and will be picking up the reigns after 14 years to raise money in cancer fundraiser, the Pertemps Champions Willberry Charity Derby.

Lucia said: “Riding the derby course will be the thrill of a lifetime.”I love a challenge and am horribly competitive, even if I’m playing tiddlywinks with my 10 grandchildren.”

An ex trainer and point-to-point jockey, Lucia hung up her racing boots in 2004.

But when she saw a magazine asking for riders to apply for the chance to compete at Epsom and on the derby course, her husband David encouraged her to try it a go.

Lucia said: “He’s been ill and I signed up to give him some excitement.

“I never thought for a minute that I’d be chosen, I assumed I’d be far too old. I’m a total adrenaline junkie though; I jump out of planes, drive motorbikes and have just done the amateur Tour de France, cycling up to 190 kilometres a day.

“In spite of incredible heat and cramp, I came sixth in my age and gender category.”

Most recently, Lucia put in a stellar performance at the rider selection day at the British Racing School in Newmarket.

“Newmarket was terrifying, it felt like going back to school,” she said. “When I heard I’d got through I was thrilled. I felt so proud they’d chosen an old bat like me.”

Lucia will be taking part in the derby for charities close to her heart; her family has sadly been affected by cancer, with her sister, mother and father having suffered the disease, therefore she will split donations between The Bob Champion Cancer Trust and Hannah’s Willberry Wonder Pony.

Bob Champion famously won the Aintree Grand National in 1981, having recovered from cancer, and his charity has raised more than £10m.

Hannah’s Willberry Wonder Pony was set up by young event rider Hannah Francis, who died of bone cancer aged just 18.

Lucia won’t be alone when participating, with David set to cheer on from the sideline.

She said: “David’s right behind me. My friends think I’ve got a death wish though, they think I’m mad. I’ll be scared going to the start, but as soon as we’re off I’ll be fine. I don’t want to be an ‘also ran’, I’m determined to give it my all.”

To donate, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/LuciaBorradaile