GETTING back in the saddle after a 40-year gap has proved a bit of a challenge for cyclist Penny Gibbons.

But today (Friday) the 57-year-old mother of four will put her new-found fitness to the test when she starts a three-day cycle ride from London to Paris.

Penny, who lives at West Quantoxhead and is a disability project worker for Somerset Skills and Learning, decided it was time to get fit in February.

But the inspiration for the tough training regime she has followed for the past six months has been the son of one of her and her husband Nick's oldest friends.

Henry Bissell, who farmed with his parents close to the Gibbons' own Staple Farm, died shortly before Christmas, aged just 29.

During a four-year battle with illness, Henry spent much time on the spinal unit at Taunton's Musgrove Park Hospital.

And Penny's continental trek will raise money for the Henry Bissell Spinal Fund, which aims to make patients' lives easier and more comfortable.

Penny and her husband have been friends with Henry's parents since they met as teenagers at Williton Young Farmers Club.

And both couples' children grew up together - Henry was the same age as one of Penny and Nick's daughters.

"Henry has been my motivation and my inspiration throughout all the training I've put in - and it hasn't always been easy," said Penny.

"I hadn't ridden a bike since I learned to drive a car 40 years ago, so getting into the saddle again has been a major challenge.

"Some days training is a breeze but on others I wonder what I've taken on and think I can't do it.

"But then I remember Henry."

Penny, whose training has taken her on rides across Somerset and neighbouring Devon, set herself the target of raising £1,000 but has already doubled that and the sponsorship is still coming in.

Her journey from the London borough of Bexley to a finish at the foot of the Eiffel Tower should see her cycling a total of 180 miles.

"I think we will probably doing 70 miles on the first and last day and 40 miles in the middle," said Penny.

"I've done 60 miles in one go but I have to admit to feeling a little nervous.

"The training has been very hard at times but I've had a lot of support from my family - my five grandchildren think it's pretty cool that I'm riding a bike from London to Paris."

Two of Penny's daughters hope to be at the finish to welcome her over the line on Sunday and help her celebrate in style with an overnight stay in Paris.

Anyone wanting to support Penny's fundraising can contact her on 07595 071680 r email [email protected]">[email protected].