A woman is preparing to cycle 350 kilometres across Brazil to raise money for three cancer charities.

Lesley Palmer, of The Green near Millom, has launched a year-long quest to raise £3,300 for charity.

The 57-year-old is no stranger to good causes after cycling in Madagascar two years ago to raise money for a small children’s charity.

She said: “I’ve always wanted to do something like this but I was worried because you have to raise so much money.

“It was very difficult - there were lots and lots of hills and on the first day we were just up and down hills all day.

“One of the hills was eight kilometres long.”

Having relished the opportunity to try something new, it wasn’t long before Mrs Palmer got the bug once again and set about looking for a new charity and another way of making a difference.

She said: “You just learn a lot about yourself out there but people do them for different reasons.

“It was an amazing experience and I missed that sense of camaraderie, so me and my friend started looking for something new.

“Then, for some strange reason, this trip just popped into my inbox and I had this strange sense of deja vu.

“I sent it on to my friend and she had already booked.”

The trip will take place this time next year but Mrs Palmer is now embarking on a full year of fundraising to raise the minimum donation of £3,300.

Originally from Hampshire, Mrs Palmer and her family moved to the area last October and she has been overwhelmed by the support she has received so far.

She said: “I didn’t have any help where I was before but Millom is so generous. I’ve got a friend here, Jenny Williams, who has organised a quiz night at the end of October. She has been brilliant.

“Where I lived before I had no response from people at all but all the businesses here have been so lovely.

“There must be one of my posters in almost every shop.”

Despite enjoying her Madagascan experience, Mrs Palmer had a sharp wake-up call when she bore witness to the experience poverty in which people live.

After realising just how divided the world is, Mrs Palmer wanted to embark on another quest to try and stop some of the suffering.

This latest mission will raise money for Breast Cancer Care, Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust and Ovarian Cancer Action.

Mrs Palmer said: “The work of charities in all walks of life just benefits so many people. “There are just so many people who wouldn’t be here without it.

“Being in Madagascar made me realise how lucky we are. People there might not even know about these diseases.”

Having lost family members to cancer, Mrs Palmer knows all too well of the pain and suffering it causes, but is determined to help raise awareness about the disease.

She said: “It is awful but I’m pleased that I can do something to help.

“Cervical and ovarian cancers are not as widely talked about and I’ve worked with people who have said they just don’t bother with having any of the tests.

“Ignorance breeds contempt and I’m a great believer that if you’re being offered something that could save your life, just have it.”