A TYLDESLEY fitness instructor, who was dealt a double cancer blow, is now preparing for an epic sponsored solo cycle ride to help boost funds for two charities.

In 1992 Sheila Williams, 40, was devastated when she lost her older sister Heather, at 36, after a long struggle against melanoma, and her close friend Christine Dawson's mum, Anne Dodd, who died of breast cancer.

Since then she has tried to come to terms with the losses.

Now she feels the time is right to visit their crematorium sites to pay her respects - and raise much needed money on the way.

With Christine and dog Dillon in a support vehicle, Sheila will set off on her 600k ride from Manchester to her parents' home in the Isle of Sheppey. Kent, today (August 4), in aid of Cancer Research and Macmillan Nurses.

Former national power lifter Sheila, of Shakerley Road, said: "1992 was a horrible year. I injured my back in competition and was in hospital when it was my sister's funeral and I was unable to go.

"Since then I have not been able to come to terms with losing her, but now the time is right to do something.

"Heather's illness started with a mole on her leg and she battled cancer for 15 years.

"She was cremated in London, and with living up here since 1991, where I moved to take up work as a supervisor with Campbells Frozen Food, it never really sank in that she was not around.

"Now I feel I can go and take flowers and sign the book of remembrance, and visit Maidstone were Christine's mum's ashes are scattered."

Sheila, a keen sports fan who developed asthma in 1997, lost her job at Campbells and decided to take an advanced diploma course in sports therapy at Wigan and Leigh College.

She is now a health and fitness instructor at the Manchester Livingwell Premier Health Club.

After giving up weightlifting she started cycling and has completed the Manchester to Blackpool run.