A KEEN hockey player from Waltham Forest is swapping her stick for a bicycle as she bids to pedal the length of Britain for charity.

Philippa Leguen de Lacroix, who is the chairperson of Waltham Forest Hockey Club, will join three friends on the 950-mile trip from Land’s End in Cornwall to John O’Groats in Scotland to raise money for Cancer Reasearch UK.

The quartet will embark on the incredible journey next Wednesday (June 2), when they will aim to ride 75 miles per day, with just 24 hours rest in between, in the hope of completing the trek on June 15.

Philippa, 35, has taken on the challenge in memory of a close friend, who died of cancer. “I lost a good friend, Sophia, very suddenly to cancer nearly three years ago,” said Philippa. “I’m doing this crazy challenge to fundraise on her behalf so that Cancer Research UK can continue making progress in both treatments and awareness.

“I’m certainly new to this level of cycling – the most mileage I’d done before was about 25 miles, so I’m really looking forward to the great achievement of finishing!”

Philippa will be joined by Nick Hanson, Adrian Bind and Lucy Wilkins on the journey. The team, who hope to raise around £2,000, have managed to secure free or discounted accommodation throughout their trip, while they have been supported by Goodness Shakes and BikeAde.

All the money raised will go towards the total raised at the Enfield and Barnet Relay for Life – a 24-hour community event in aid of Cancer Research UK, to be held on July 10 and 11 this year.

To donate to the team, visit Adrian’s sponsorship page: www.donatetomyrelay.org/adrianbond or to find out more about the Relay For Life, visit: www.enfieldandbarnetrelay.co.uk