Gemma Tinson prepares for her marathon ride Picture Ref: 77163-21A TRAINEE solicitor from Old Town is set to cycle from Bath to Dublin for the second time and raise money for the Dorothy House hospice.

Gemma Tinson, 26, of St Margarets Road, completed the four-day ride last year, but is making sure that she is better prepared for the ordeal this time round.

She said: "Last time I didn't do enough training.

"But this time I'm selling my car and going on the bike three or four times a week to the gym and back. And at the weekend I usually do a big ride of between 70 and 90 miles."

The idea of raising money took shape last year. Gemma said: "I was at the doctor's and saw a leaflet in the surgery advertising the cycle ride.

"Dorothy House had really helped a relative of mine who died of cancer, so it's important to me, and it's locally based."

Last year Gemma raised £1,100 by completing the 285-mile journey. This year she hopes to top that total, and is aiming to raise £1,500.

She said: "It was very hard last year. On the first two days we went 92 miles, and it rained every day."

The ride takes place between August 5 and 8.

The hospice at Winsley, near Bradford on Avon, cares for terminally ill patients.

Anyone who would like to sponsor Gemma should contact Dorothy House on 01225 722988.