A BLIND woman who developed a passion for cycling thanks to a donated tandem is preparing to embark on the challenge of a lifetime.

Barbara Russell, 57, and cycling partner Steve Shuck, 56, will take part in the London 100 tomorrow – a 100-mile cycle ride billed as the ‘London Marathon for cyclists’.

It will be a test of the teamwork and trust that has developed between the two since they started riding a tandem bike donated to the Bournemouth Society for the Visually Impaired (BSVI) by the Steve Bernard Foundation.

They will be among 30,000 cyclists starting at the Olympic Park and riding through London and Surrey before ending at the Mall. Steve will be in the driving seat and will talk Barbara through the route but the legwork will be shared between the two of them.

Entering the London 100 was Steve’s idea. He said: “I used to be a very keen runner but my body won’t let me run marathons anymore. I was looking for another challenge and liked the sound of this one.

“I’ve volunteered at the BSVI for a couple of years and I was fairly confident Barbara would be up for a challenge too.”

And Barbara said: “There may be people out there who are coming to terms with losing their sight and wondering what the future holds. I hope this shows them what can be done.”

The pair will rboost the BSVI in Victoria Park Road, Moordown. To sponsor them visit justgiving.com/barbara-russell2