A WOMAN who was inspired by the Tour de France has completed a charity bike ride to France.

Gemma Richardson, who lives in Kirkbymoorside, took part in the 300-mile London to Paris cycle ride in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care.

The 23-year-old decided to take on the challenge after watching the Tour de France raising £3,320 for the charity.

“The whole challenge was such an amazing experience, meeting and making some great friends along the way, cycling through beautiful little villages and scenery, I would do it all again tomorrow if I had the chance," she said.

"Each of the four days we covered between 75 to 85 miles, in total cycling 316 miles from start to finish.

"The highlight of the ride was definitely cycling up the Champs D'Elysee, around the Arc De Triumph, which was a fairly scary experience as it is just a free for all, and finishing under the Eiffel Tower, where my parents and boyfriend were to see me finish.

"The following day we were able to watch the Peloton of Tour De France finish down the Champs D'Elysee, which was a brilliant end to the cycle challenge."

Gemma said she had been overwhelmed by all the support she had leading up the challenge, throughout her fundraising events and during the ride itself.

"I would like to say a big thank you to the Kirkbymoorside Legion Club, The Sun Inn, Pickering and Spice 4 U, Pickering for hosting my events, the Kirkbymoorside Not Strictly Come Dancing Group for their generous donations, all the local businesses that donated raffle prizes," she said.

"Also to everyone who has supported me in any way, by sponsorship or by coming to my one of my events which has helped me to raise such a fantastic amount of money for Marie Curie.

"I am so pleased I chose to do this cycle challenge, what a great achievement and also knowing that by doing something I love, I have also helped others by raising a lot of money for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

"I enjoyed the experience so much I have already booked my next challenge for 2016 - Land's End to John O'Groats, which is over 1,000 miles in 12 days."