SECRETARY Susan Downes is looking for support as she embarks on an extremely rocky ride.

Brave Susan, 31, of Woodfield Avenue, Accrington, has pledged to cycle 300 miles through the Canadian Rockies, in September, to raise funds for children's hospitals.

Her target is £2,500 which will be ploughed into improving standards in Manchester hospitals through the Children's Hospital's Appeal Trust.

"It's the challenge of a lifetime," said Susan, who cycles 14 miles to work each day at Blackburn Infirmary.

"I am reasonably fit, but 14 miles is nothing compared to the 65 miles a day I will be covering on the trip."

She has already got the support of staff and patients on the rheumatology ward, where she works.

Anyone who can help with sponsorship should call Children's Hospital Appeal's Trust on 0161 276 8700, quoting reference number 40766.