BRADFORD on Avon pensioner Judith Hammond is nearing the end of a cycling challenge to help buy tablets for Palestinian children.

She decided to cycle 22 miles a day on 51 consecutive days to help buy the equipment for a Palestinian school in the West Bank city of Tubas.

To date, Judith has so far covered 1,078 miles in all weathers with only a few more to go before she finishes her marathon at 4pm on Sunday April 11 at the Tithe Barn.

She has eaten lots of pasta to keep her energy levels up and says she is now a lot fitter than before.Judith, 77, of Middle Rank, said: "The best days were those when I went with a ‘buddy’ and friends have accompanied me once or twice.

"One stalwart has cycled every week, introducing me to new routes away from busy roads, with some stunning scenery and banks of spring flowers."

A low ebb for her were the four days before Mothers’ Day on March 23 when she had no-one cycling alongside.

But surprise visits from her son and daughter, bringing with them their bikes so they could ride with her before returning to London and Manchester, was the welcome boost she sorely needed.

Soon after, she passed the halfway mark and was going ‘downhill!’

So far Judith has raised an amazing £4,500 on her Just Giving page plus £500 through cheques and cash.

She is sending out the money she has raised in instalments to the school in Tubas to enable its headmaster Jalal Khudairy to buy the tablets.

Jalal’s school now has sufficient equipment so other schools in Tubas will also benefit.

Judith added: "I’m so grateful to all who have donated. The Just Giving page will remain open until the end of April."

Her last, and 51st, ride will be this Sunday afternoon and some of her buddies will cycle with her, with others joining them at Avoncliff.

They are expected to arrive at the west end of the Tithe Barn at 4pm, where they will be welcomed by supporters.

To donate, go to www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/judith-hammond-tablets-for-tubas