FORMER schoolteacher Mary Ashurst has decided she is content to let life pass her by - so long as it's from a bicycle seat!

Mary, 57, who recently retired after 30 years at St Richard's in Atherton, is to take a bike trek this month in Northern India, raising funds for leprosy relief.

She will be joining 29 other British cyclists on the adventure, and hopes to raise £1,050 which will treat 50 leprosy patients.

During her time in India, from January 24 to February 8, she will see the dreadful effects of leprosy.

Mary said: "I will probably be the grandmother of the group at my age but I am looking forward to going on the trip. We will have a jeep travelling with us as a back-up and to carry supplies.

"I really believe this is a worthwhile cause with which to be involved."

All cash raised will go to the British Leprosy Relief Association - and Mary is covering all the travelling expenses out of her own pocket.

You can sponsor her with donations to LEPRA, Fairfax House, Causton Road, Colchester, Essex CO1 1PU.

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