Pair to cycle 50 miles in tandem to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust

Lorraine Barnes, 49, and Rachael Brader, 21, will take on the 50 mile challenge on Saturday, March 26, as part of Lorraine’s ‘50 fundraisers for Cystic Fibrosis.’

Lorraine’s two children, Daniel, 20, and Joseph, 12, were both diagnosed with the genetic condition as children and wanted to raise money in the lead up to her 50th Birthday.

She said: “There is nothing in my life that I need or want more than for my two sons to have a secure future, untainted by their battles with cystic fibrosis.”

So far Lorraine has raised more than £32,500 for charity and aims to raise £50,000 by her birthday on May 20.

The tandem cycle comes just weeks after Lorraine completed a walk across the top of London’s o2 Arena, 52 metres above ground.

She said: “Walking across the roof of the o2 arena was a great challenge and one I would definitely do again.”

Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited disease caused by a faulty gene. The gene controls the movement of salt and water in and out cells, causing the lungs and digestive system to clog up with mucus.

Alison Edwards, of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, said: “Lorraine has done an amazing job completing so many tough challenges to reach her phenomenal £50,000 target.

“I would like to wish her the best of luck with her tandem challenge - 50 miles is no mean feat.”

In addition to the tandem cycle, Lorraine has planned a ‘wing walk’ on April 30, before her 50th birthday ball in May.

Lorraine said: “I am asking family and friends not to buy me presents, but instead to make a donation to the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.”

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/50fund raisersForCysticFibrosis.