A PENARTH woman is set to cycle from London to Paris in memory of her father after his brave battle with cancer.

Stella Sturgess, 42, will complete the near 500km cycle over four days in May in aid of Bowel Cancer UK.

Stella, a physiotherapist at St Woolos Hospital in Newport, said she was hoping to raise awareness about the condition that affected more than 40,000 people in 2010 alone.

“This is my chosen charity in memory of my Dad, who was a great inspiration to me, but sadly died of bowel cancer in 1995," she said.

"I'd like to raise awareness of the disease and highlight the extraordinary work that Bowel Cancer UK are doing to help save lives and improve the lives of those affected by bowel cancer."

Stella, a member of Penarth and Dinas Runners, has previously completed the London Marathon in aid of bowel cancer in memory of her father and manage to raise more than £2000.

“This year I wanted to do another challenge for a cause close to my heart," she said.

“I didn’t want to run a marathon, I wanted to do something different and a distance that I had never done before.”

One the first day she will cycle 95 miles, before cycling 70 to 75 miles each following day, before reaching Paris with a team of fellow fundraisers. She has been training for the bike ride by taking part in spin classes, running and long bike rides, and exercising on consecutive days.

"I know I can do it, but it’s something that I have never done before and I don’t know how I’m going to deal with it," she added.

In a bid to reach her target Stella, a member of Cardiff Canton Singers, has organised a number of fundraisers. She also recently raised more than £200 at a cake sale at work.

On Saturday, February 22, she will be collecting donations at Tesco, Penarth Marina, while on Sunday, March 23, she will be singing, along with her singing group members, and collecting donations at Tesco on Western Avenue.

She has also organised a fundraising quiz night at The Pilot in Penarth on Sunday, March 23, at 7.30pm. There will also be a raffle and she has already received several donations from local businesses

"In addition to a Marks & Spencer hamper, Foxy's Deli has kindly agreed to donate a bottle of wine and Diana Mead has donated a fine art print of the new Penarth Pier Pavilion."

Tickets for the event are £2 each and payable on the door.

If you would like to donate items to the raffle contact Stella on stellasturgess@hotmail.com

To sponsor Stella go to www.justgiving.com/Stella-Sturgess