BIG-HEARTED Bev Eastwood pedalled to her personal best on her 14th Manchester to Blackpool ride, raising more than £300 for cancer care, and research, in memory of two friends.

The Blackburn-born 39-year-old, now living in Darwen, took 16 minutes off her previous fastest for the 60 miles, to record three hours and 40 minutes. She was raising money in memory of pals Sarah Gornall and Derek Cox, who passed away from the disease.

Wearing a T-shirt printed with their faces, Newsquest North-West’s marketing manager Bev raised the cash for the ‘Christie’s for Cancer’ charity. She said: “The last few miles along the coast were tough into the wind. I would like to thank all my generous sponsors. Let’s face it, whose life hasn’t been touched by cancer in some way or another? It was an honour to ride in memory of two of the nicest people. I am privileged that our paths crossed in life.”

People can still donate at http://www.justgiving.com/man2bpoolinmemoryofsarahgornall