A SEPTUAGENARIAN raised thousands for charity after cycling from London to Paris.
Nan Hughes, 70 of Rhuddlan, coasted into the French capital at the end of July after tackling the 290 mile challenge to raise funds for Christian Aid.
She said: “It was fantastic. The finishing line near the Louvre was busy because the Tour de France finished there on the Sunday. The experience was lovely, very good.”
Nan joined about 60 other riders during the international challenge, which saw them ride an average of 72 miles a day from Bexely to Dover, Calais to Arras, on to Compiègne and then finally to the capital.
Nan said that despite entering the city at rush hour, she did not have many worries about the notorious Parisian traffic.
She said: “I suppose we took our lives into our own hands, but I was surprised on the whole drivers in Paris were more aware of bicycles.
“I really enjoyed it. The people I met on the way I’ll keep in touch with, there were seven from Wales. I would recommend it to anybody to do this kind of thing. You make friends which will last for ever.”
Nan has a long history of fundraising, and has raised close to £20,000 over 10 years of intrepid cycling which includes a ride from Glasgow to St Asaph to raise funds for St Kentigern Hospice and a tour of Lesotho in South Africa.
This year, she smashed through the Christian Aid target of £1,100 to raise £2,200 to help eradicate poverty around the world.
Nan said: “I want to thank all the people who supported me and for being so generous. They all think I’m a bit mad, but it helps.”