GRANDMOTHER Wynne Holmes is keeping up a strenuous fitness regime to prepare for a 400km bike ride to the Grand Canyon.

Wynne, a former postie in Bacup, is an agency nurse with BUPA working at Rochdale Infirmary, Birch Hill Hospital, Rochdale, and Oldham Royal.

She became a grandmother in April when daughter Rebecca gave birth to Maisie. At the same time Wynne was working in another hospital where a boy was born with cerebral palsy.

Wynne, 52, of Rakehead, Stacksteads, said: "I was so grateful that Maisie was all right that I vowed if ever I could I would raise money for the charity Scope which helps people with cerebral palsy.

"Then I got this flyer through my door asking for volunteers for the bike ride, so I had to go for it. Maisie has brought new meaning to our lives."

She has to raise at least £2,500 to make the trip next May when, along with 99 other cyclists from the UK she will set of from Bryce Canyon, Utah, cycle through Arizona and to the edge of the Grand Canyon. Wynne is following a fitness programme set for her by Bodyline Health Studio in Waterfoot and also cycling 10 to 12 miles three times a week. Her husband Frank is supporting her and joining her in some of her rides - but Wynne says she is now able to cycle faster than him and is leaving him behind!

BUPA has agreed to sponsor the ride and Wynne has already been sent a donation of £250 from a local firm that wants to remain anonymous, has written to 20 others and is sending out more letters and has sponsorship from family and friends.

She admitted: "The training was hard to begin with, but it is getting easier. I have had my Raleigh Amazon bike for 12 years, but only ever used it as a hobby."

Anyone who wants to support Wynne can contact her on 01706 878395.

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