A Bradford business leader is donning her cycling gear for the second time this weekend in a bid to raise £1,000 for charity.

Sandy Needham, chief executive of Bradford Chamber of Commerce, is taking on a three-day 150-mile bike ride through the Yorkshire Dales to help the chamber’s chosen charity, Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Along with seven others, Sandy will tackle the Dales Tour from Harrogate to Austwick, near Settle, by way of Dent, to Hawes and Leyburn, and through Ripon back to the spa town.

Two years ago, Sandy raised funds by cycling from Barrow-in-Furness to Whitby, but that journey was nearly ruined when her cycle was stolen overnight after the second day.

She said: “The bike had been locked to rails immediately outside the hotel’s front door. Fortunately, a friend came to my rescue and lent me his son’s mountain bike. It wasn’t ideal but it meant I could finish the challenge and collect the sponsorship. This year the route is more difficult, but I’m hoping at least to hang on to my bike.

“The Marie Curie Hospice and team in Bradford do an amazing job. Most people have family or friends who have had to cope with cancer, so I hope people may be willing to help the cause by sponsoring me.”

Donations can be either made online at justgiving.

co.uk by entering Sandy Needham’s name, or sending a cheque made payable to Marie Curie Cancer Care, to Bradford Chamber of Commerce, De Vere House, Vicar Lane, Bradford BD1 5AH