PARAMEDIC Victoria Tucker is swapping her ambulance for a bike.

Victoria, whose husband suffers from asthma, is planning to ride 252 miles in Iceland for the National Asthma Society.

But she reckons that by the time she has finished, she might need to call an ambulance for herself!

Victoria, who is based at Atherleigh Ambulance Station, said: "I'm just hoping I survive it. I've never been that much into bike riding. I just thought I'd have a go at this to raise some money."

The exhausting bike trek takes place in May in the Pingvellir National Park in Iceland.

But before Victoria jets out there, she has to raise £2,300 for her chosen charity, the National Asthma Campaign.

She is being sponsored by many work colleagues, friends and family but still needs a lot more money and is appealing to local businesses to help her raise the required amount.

The more cash she raises for asthma sufferers the better. Victoria knows many people who are affected by the condition, including her husband, Gerard. She explained: "He suffered very badly from it when he was young and it caused him a lot of problems.

"It also affects my brother's child and because of my work I see a lot of people who suffer terribly from the condition.

"This was my inspiration and the reason why I want to raise the money and complete the ride."

When Victoria flies out to Iceland on May 20 there won't be any time for sight-seeing.

The eight-day bike ride begins immediately. Around 40 cyclists are taking part and they will be expected to pedal between 40 and 50 miles a day.

The weather will be freezing and the terrain energy-sapping but Victoria is confident she can do it.

"I'm looking forward to it because I've heard Iceland is a beautiful country and that the scenery is splendid.

"It will be hard but I've got the willpower . . . though I may be a little saddle-sore for a while afterwards."

Any individuals or local businesses who wish to sponsor Victoria can contact her on 01204 660 445.

The National Asthma Campaign has 90 branches throughout the country and is working to conquer asthma through a combination of research, education and support.

It depends on volunteers and the public for the majority of its income.

MIllions of people throughout Britain suffer from the condition, which causes breathing difficulties.

The charity also runs a helpline for sufferers, open on weekdays from 9am to 7pm on 0845 701 0203.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.