WHEN Judith Kippax’s carer made a joke about taking up a gruelling cycling challenge she did not expect to be taken up on her offer.

But fast forward 16 months and Judith, a 79-year-old stroke victim, has already cycled 410 miles of her 2,400-mile sponsored cycle challenge from Land’s End to John O’Groats and back again.

Judith, from Simonstone, who lives in the Manor House Nursing Home, in Chatburn, is cycling 15 miles per day on an electric bicycle within the comfort of the nursing home.

And this week the pensioner, who is raising money for the Stroke Association, reached a milestone as she made her way into her home county of Lancashire.

The mileage is being recorded on a map of the British Isles, placed next to her electric bike, complete with a sticker featuring a cycle to show her location.

She said: “It started off as a joke because my carer wanted to improve my mobility, but it has been great and my legs are actually getting stronger.

“I am really enjoying myself and, at the same time, I am raising money for an incredibly important cause. Anybody that has suffered a stroke deserves to be helped.”

Judith has suffered two strokes, the first in 2007 when her fingers were affected, and the second on Mother’s Day in 2008 when she lost most of the feeling in her right arm and leg.

Cath Mellin, register manager at the Bridge Road nursing home, said: “Judith is doing really well and all the residents and staff are very proud of her.

“It has already made a difference to her mobility and she has quite a long way to go yet, so we are hoping that she will get stronger every day.”

Judith worked at Althams Travel, for her father’s textile processing business, and as a secretary at the art gallery at Towneley Hall.

She moved into the home in January 2010.

To sponsor Judith call 01200 441394.