A keen sportswoman from Penzance is currently in training for a 100 mile cycling challenge to support a charity working with people with disabilities.

Jade Smith , 23, will travel to London on August 2 for the annual RideLondon event, and will be raising money for national disability charity United Response, where she works as a team lead support worker, supporting people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and mental health needs to live full lives.

Jade said: “I’m really looking forward to trying something new. I have taken part in a couple of local cycles before, but not for a couple of years, and nothing near 100 miles.

“This is definitely the biggest challenge I’ve done - I wanted to do something bigger and different. My friend told me to get used to the hills, and there are plenty in Cornwall to practice on. I’m not too worried about the distance – it’s more about getting my bum used to the seats!”

Jade is a keen athlete who also trains for rowing, taking part in circuit training, gym workouts and a bit of road cycling to improve endurance in the boat, so she is hoping to have the strength to take on RideLondon for the first time.

She looking forward to the crowd of supporters cheering on cyclists along a 100-mile route through from the Olympic Park, through the capital’s closed roads and into Surrey before ending at the Mall, following the London 2012 Olympic route.

She said: “Fundraising is an important part of my motivation and will do great things for the charity, and a team of staff members and United Response supporters are also taking part. I enjoy helping to keep my community safe and supporting three lovely people to live great lives, so I hope taking on this challenge helps to raise awareness of our important work across the country.”

You can visit Jade's fundraising page at: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JadeSmith23