A FORMER East Riding resident is preparing for a 1,000-mile bike ride to raise money for charity following her mother's battle against cancer.

A former East Riding resident is preparing for a 1,000-mile bike ride to raise money for charity following her mother's battle against cancer.

Jo Yates, 33, previously lived in Brough but moved to Slovenia three years ago.

Jo Yates is preparing to complete a 1,000-mile cycle ride from Land's End to John O'Groats to raise money for charity following her mother's battle against cancer.

However, she returned to the UK for about six months when her mother, Pam Clarke, 57, of Market Weighton, was diagnosed with bowel cancer in March 2009.

Mrs Clarke underwent radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery and now has regular check-ups, with her latest blood tests returning clear.

Now, Jo is planning to cycle 1,000 miles from Land's End to John O'Groats.

She will raise money for Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Cancer Support and the stoma care department at Castle Hill Hospital in Cottingham to show her appreciation for the care her mother received.

Jo, who will begin her challenge on October 5, said: "It has been quite a humbling experience and driven me to want to do something to hopefully make a difference to people in the future.

"There are such dark times, especially for the people that go through the experience of having cancer.

"It's such a frightening word.

"It was an eye-opener to see how many people are affected, but also get better as well.

"As long as we keep raising money for the research to make the drugs available and better, that's all we can do."

Jo runs self-catered accommodation in the Slovenian Alps, offering access to extreme river and mountain-based sports, with her husband Bevan Yates, 39.

She said she is training hard for her cycling challenge.

"I'm out on my bike at least every other day," she said.

"I live in the Alps, so you step out of the front door and it's up a hill.

"The highest point I have reached from here is 1,611m.

"It's all uphill and downhill, so I'm definitely training."

Any money Jo raises online will be donated to Cancer Research UK, while collections held along the route or donations via e-mail will be split between Macmillan Cancer Support and the stoma care department.

To sponsor Jo, visit www.justgiving.com/joyates or e-mail jo@extremeslovenia.com.