ENERGETIC Elaine Mansfield plans to pedal 350 kilometres through Israel to help raise money for the fight against drug and alcohol abuse.

Elaine, 37, of Brunswick Street, Nelson, is one of 30 people from across Britain who will take part in the Three Seas Cycle Challenge in October in aid of national charity Addaction.

She will join Ribble Valley Council chief engineer Graham Jagger, of Colne Road, Kelbrook, as the group tackles the journey on and off road from the Mediterranean to the Dead Sea and on to the Sea of Gallilee.

Elaine, who works for Earby-based Country Holidays, has put £250 towards expenses and has to raise £2,000 sponsorship.

She has organised a number of events to raise the cash including a sportsman's dinner at the Stirk House Hotel, Gisburn, on November 9. Main speaker will be former England cricketer Mike Gatting.

"Some people I knew had cycled through Cuba and I had done a bungee jump to raise money for them," explained Elaine, who plays netball and regularly keeps fit in the gym.

Elaine has been backed by Country Holidays and Barrowford bike shop Blazing Saddles who have helped with sponsorship and provided two bikes to be raffled.

Tomorrow, Elaine will run a raffle and give information on the challenge in the Admiral Centre, Nelson. Similar events are planned at Barnoldswick Gala on August 8, in Colne on August 14 and 15, and at Barrowford Show on August 29.

Sportsman's dinner tickets are available from Elaine on 01282 695878.

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