Ann Bowditch won nine individual gold medals over 16 years representing the island, including four in Guernsey in 2003.
Now aged 55, the self-confessed ‘crazy cat lady’ is preparing to get back in the saddle for a solo ride from Lands’ End to John O’Groats.
‘I have always loved animals and had a special affinity to cats,’ she said.
‘I have seven rescue cats and have seen the important work that rescuers do. I have total admiration for their efforts and I just thought it’s time I stepped up and helped them.’
Despite such a cycling pedigree, Mrs Bowditch said people should not assume this was an easy challenge.
‘I stopped competing altogether in 2014 and in the last five years I haven’t done a lot of hours. I don’t consider myself a long-distance endurance rider and this is out of my comfort zone. I made the decision in August that I was going to do this ride, and since then, I’ve been building up my hours on the bike.’
Mrs Bowditch is raising money for three charities, two in Guernsey – the GSPCA and Lost and Found Pets – and Stray Cats Rescue Team in the UK, donors can select who they want to contribute to.
‘The GSPCA is a fantastic charity and everyone on the island knows what they do,’ she said.
‘And Lost and Found do amazing work as well as helping islanders reunite with their pets, among other contributions to help strays.’
All seven of Mrs Bowditch’s cats come from the Stray Cats Rescue Team in the West Midlands, which she visited last year.
‘They do absolutely incredible work and they have really struggled for funding,’ she said. Having met them, they are the best people with the biggest heart and have a really lovely community of the people who have adopted from them. They deal with the sickest cats, and are passionate beyond anything I have ever seen.’
She hopes to complete the challenge which involves more than 37,000 feet of climbing in just eight days starting on 27 June, and has set herself an ambitious fundraising target.
‘£10,000 would be amazing,’ she said.
‘I’m also open to any businesses who might want help, as I want every penny to go to these incredible charities.
‘We will be getting the ride out on social media daily. Because when people see me suffering, I’m hoping they feel sorry for me and want to donate.’
To donate locally visit here or to the Stray Cats Rescue Team.
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