An avid cyclist is attempting to overcome her Covid-related health issues to be part of a gruelling effort to smash a Guinness World Record this weekend.

Claire Turner, 36, of Kirkby Lonsdale, will be one of 15 participants, cycling for 29 consecutive hours in what will hopefully be the world's longest static spinning class, from 10am on Saturday to 3pm Sunday in London.

Claire's friend Jackie Scully organised the challenge to take place on her 40th birthday to raise money for the Mintridge Foundation, a mental health and exercise charity, breast cancer awareness charity CoppaFeel!, Mind and NHS Charities Together, afterhaving suffered herself from breast cancer.

Claire, who is a member of Kirkby Lonsdale Cycling Club, said: "I wanted to run the London Marathon since I saw it on TV as a young teen.

The Westmorland Gazette: RIDING: Kirkby Lonsdale Cycling Club (Claire third from left)RIDING: Kirkby Lonsdale Cycling Club (Claire third from left)

"Come 2010 I ran my first ever London marathon, and that was a gateway into endurance events over the years.

"In February 2020 I was unlucky enough to catch Covid.

"Since February I have not been able to run like I used to due to permanent chest issues like asthma, and also joint pain in my ankles that plagued me for 6 months after the illness."

For perspective, each member will virtually cycle roughly the distance between Lands End and John o' Groats in 29 hours, for which the fastest cycle ever recorded in reality is 51 hours.

The team will be monitored by Guinness officials, ensuring constant cycling save for five minutes per hour allowed for toilet breaks.

The Westmorland Gazette: TEAM: The record attempting group (Jackie Scully third from left, Claire fifth from left)TEAM: The record attempting group (Jackie Scully third from left, Claire fifth from left)

About her health issues, Claire said: "The doctors in Kirkby are being very good and monitoring my recovery well, but it seems I had long Covid implications.

"I still struggle, each day is a different day and I find training has been something very new and interesting as I learn my new body and limitations!

"When I heard from Jackie about the world record attempt I felt myself come alive again, a chance to train for something. By not having the impact on my body like running, cycling has been my saviour this summer.

"Covid has left me very upset and lost following the taking away of my active lifestyle, so this opportunity has given me so much back. I can't believe that we're actually going to give it a real, full on shot!"