A WOMAN who only got a bike a few weeks ago is cycling 400 miles in four days across four countries.

Jackie Ashwood from Brighton will have only been in training for four weeks by the time she reaches the start line at the Olympic Park Velodrome.

With support from fellow Domestic & General worker and fitness fanatic Steve Mcmenamin, Jackie has had undergone intensive training and a crash course in how to ride long-distance.

She was also gifted a bike from Evans Cycles especially for the event, riding for young people’s charity The Mix.

Jackie said: “Not only did I not own a bike until a few of weeks ago, I hadn’t ridden a bike for years.

"But it’s true what they say – you never forget.

"I’m over the moon Evans has given me a bike, as well as wanting to do something good for charity I think they might have felt a bit sorry for me and my lack of experience on two wheels.”

Formerly known as Get Connected, The Mix is a UK-wide, free and confidential helpline service for young people.

Each year the charity supports at least 250,000 young people to find the help they needed with a range of issues such as homelessness, self-harm, bullying and drugs.

More than 80 percent of those who have used the helpline say their lives improved after contacting the charity.

The Mix gifted Domestic & General two places on its annual Ride 999 event in thanks for the company’s support over the last year resulting in £140,000 being raised for the charity.

Volunteers will give up the May Bank Holiday weekend to cycle across Europe and raise additional funds.

Each day they will burn up to 8,333 calories – the equivalent to 32 Mars bars, and spend at least nine hours on their bikes.

Jackie, who works from Domestic & General’s Brighton office overlooking Churchill Square, has singlehandedly raised over £2,000 and is calling for the support of the people of Brighton and Hove to help reach her stretch target of £3,000.

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Jackie-Ashwood2.