A group of six St Albans women have cycled 348 miles from London to Paris to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society.

Heather Foxton, Sharon Farquhar, Sharron Holmes, Victoria Swain, Philippa Zacaroli and Amy Lednor embarked on a challenge to cycle between the capital cities over four days.

They were among just 20 women in a group of 119 participants supporting the Alzheimer’s Society on the ride.

The team rode under the name ‘Elizabeth’s Friends’, inspired by their friend Elizabeth Redmayne who was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s in 2013, at the age of 50.

Rider Sharon explained: “As a group, we are relatively new to cycling but made a commitment earlier this year to train hard regardless of weather and circumstance.

“The training and determination certainly paid off. We were readily accepted by all our fellow cyclists, encouraged throughout and always entertained.”

Heather added: “Our support team from the Alzheimer’s Society were so generous with their kindness, humour and knowledge.

“This was one of the most incredible experiences of our lives and we would do it all again tomorrow, in a heartbeat. We have never laughed as much or felt so connected to a group as we have on this tour.”

Elizabeth and her daughter Susannah met the women at the finish line by the Eiffel Tower.

Susannah said: “Their pride at having completed the challenge – as well as the confidence that taking up an often male dominated sport had given them – was great to see.

“The women really want to encourage other ladies to get out on their bikes and see how rewarding it can be.”

After their cycling success, the women aim to inspire others to do the same.

The Alzheimer’s Society is one of the UK’s leading care and research charities for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

So far, the women have raised over £11,000 for the charity, with the whole group who participated raising £242,000 – a figure which is still rising. Further donations can be made to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Sharon-Farquhar2