GOING the extra mile – or 1,000 miles – is how Sandra Letford spent her summer holiday this summer.

She supported the charity Basingstoke and Alton Cardiac Rehab with a mammoth Land’s End to John O’Groats bike ride over two weeks.

The ride from the most southerly tip of the English mainland to the northerly tip of bonny Scotland entails 1,000 miles and 50,000ft of climbing - and it was all achieved through Sandra’s pedal power in just 14 days.

It was an idea that came to her to celebrate a significant birthday and Cardiac Rehab was the lucky beneficiary of her fundraising effort.

Averaging about 70 miles per day, there were 14 stages in all.

For Sandra, who is deputy health programme manager and long-standing specialist cardiac fitness instructor at the centre, the trip was planned over many months and, alongside the practical considerations, she was determined to raise substantial funds for the charity.

Sponsorship of her challenge has so far raised more than £5,800 for the charity.

Mike Hayward, chairman of Cardiac Rehab, presented a small thank-you gift to Sandra in recognition of her huge fundraising effort.

Sandra said: “Some of the highlights of the tour were cycling across the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the Severn Bridge crossing, riding along Loch Ness, and seeing the lock system at both Fort William and Fort Augustus, as well as watching a sea plane land on Loch Lomond in the gloom."

And she added: “Arriving at John O’Groats was very emotional.”

Cardiac Rehab chief executive officer Sarah Quarterman said: “We have all celebrated Sandra’s magnificent achievement, which is a testament to her determination and character.

“Our thanks go to the many exercisers and supporters who sponsored her and cheered her on her way.”

To sponsor Sandra, visit cardiac-rehab.co.uk/fundraising/donations-to-cardiac-rehab.