A PARTIALLY paralysed woman is set to take on a mammoth handcycle challenge from Bradford to Germany next month.

Alana Walker, 24, who has cerebral palsy, is set to ride a gruelling 250 miles in just six days from the city centre to Hamm, Bradford’s twin town, along with 27 other cyclists on June 12.

She is raising money for Bradford Disability Sport & Leisure (BDSL), which aims to provide disabled people with opportunities to take part in sport and physical activity and helped introduce her to handcycling.

Miss Walker, from Allerton, said: “I’ve always loved taking part in sport despite my condition, even competing in the UK School Athletics Games, and discovered cycling while at university.

“With the handcycle that was available as part of their bike fleet I really had a new lease of life as I could take part at an equivalent level to my friends that regularly cycle.

“Unfortunately when I lost access to this handcycle I needed to find a way of buying my own as I knew what a positive impact it was having on my physical rehabilitation.”

Miss Walker applied to the national charity Children Today, which provides funding for specialised equipment for children and young people with disabilities across the UK, and received her partly electrified handcycle just a few weeks later.

She said: “I knew it was going to be a tough ask as many charities don’t provide funding for over-18s, so I was completely shocked when I found out Children Today had awarded me the grant as I knew it meant I could take part in this unbelievable challenge. My last operation was only in October so it is going to be tough, but I’m ready for it.”

Despite her cerebral palsy affecting her left eye and leg and leaving her left arm paralysed, Miss Walker says she “loves to take on challenges”, such as abseiling down Bradford Library last year.

As a community leader in the Choices 4 All project, she now uses her personal experience to help engage disabled people in cycling.

She said: “I love being able to help inspire other young people with disabilities to get involved with exercise and physical activity, and if I can help them gain the independence I get from sport then that is very special indeed.”

To donate, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Alana-Walker.