A PRIMARY school teacher who completed a gruelling 800 mile bike challenge came away with two prestigious awards at the South Cumbria Heroes awards.

Jane Reedy, of Kendal, faced devastating news just a few weeks after her 40th birthday when she was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of oesophageal cancer.

Her treatment, though successful to date, had life changing consequences.

But the Ambleside AC runner was inspired to help others by embarking on an epic 800 mile bike, also known as the Pedal to Peaks challenge, which involved cycling to and from Ben Nevis, Snowdon and Scafell Pike.

On the night of the awards the Kendal mum, who teaches at Ghyllside Primary School, received the Helping Hand award as well as Person of the Year.

“It feels really special and humbling to receive two awards,” she said.

“There’s so many other worthy winners here tonight who have given so much to the community despite their difficulties. It makes you think that’s what’s important in life.”

Mrs Reedy raised £5,000 for CancerCare and Research UK.

She was driven to do the challenge to “shoe that there is life after cancer despite the life-changing implications”.

On her bike ride Mrs Reedy cycled between 85 to 100 miles a day.

Meanwhile, the former Queen’s Guide to the Sands Cedric Robinson MBE, who was also nominated as a finalist for the Helping Hand award, was described as a “great ambassador for the region”.

He enabled for more than 200,000 people to experience the beauty and adventure of crossing Morecambe Bay’s treacherous beaches in safety.

During his 56-year tenure, Mr Robinson has managed to raise more than £1 million for numerous charities.

“It was such a wonderful surprise to be named a finalist,” said Mr Robinson.

“The event was so lovely, it’s been absolutely wonderful.”

One of the final awards of the evening was the Good Neighbour award, which went out to Christine Fisher who has always been on hand to help her friend who suffered from a stroke.