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My name is Natasha Hudson. In june of this year I am about to set off on a challenge of a lifetime.  The following is my story as told in my local newspaper the Telegraph & Argus.

A partially-sighted civil servant is learning to ride a bike again so she can take part in a 500-mile fundraiser.

Natasha Hudson, 32, had not been in the saddle since she was eight, and, by her own admission, limited vision has left her "as blind as a bat" Yet Natasha, of Idle, Bradford, is due to ride to Bradford's twin town of Hamm and back next June on an eight-day cycle in aid of Bradford Disability Sport and Leisure with a 'minder' cycling on either side of her to guide her along the route.

Her story is all the more remarkable as, in three years, she has beaten the bulge and lost nearly six stone.

She trained her way to fitness at Francine Hoddy's, We Are Not a Gym exercise centre, in Enterprise Way, Five Lane Ends. They marked her successful fitness battle by completing a 360-mile static bike marathon alongside Mrs Hoddy, her personal trainer.

Spread over three days, it raised more than £1,000 for the Lord Mayor's Appeal.

Since then she has sought the expertise of Bradford-based cycling charity Crank It Up as she prepares to take to the tarmac for real.

She said: "Three years ago I did something that has totally changed my life. I wobbled through Francine's door and started off on toning tables.

"I was so embarrassed with myself as the fat on my body sagged over the edges of the machines. It was the most energetic thing I had done in years.

"The last time I rode a bike was at school, it was the first lesson of cycling proficiency, I fell off and that was it, you could say it scared me.

"I'm nervous and excited, it's early days in my training so I'm still getting used to it. All I can do is give it my best shot like everything else in life. It's going to be frightening, I'm as blind as a bat. I aim to cross the finish line and make it back in one piece." 

Mrs Hoddy said: "Natasha is a wonderful character and a role model as someone who has turned her life round through exercise and losing weight.

"She is fit and with plenty of cycling practice there's no reason she won't be able to do the ride."

Barry Thorne, organiser of the ride to Hamm, said:

"Bradford Disability Sport and Leisure is delighted to see that Natasha will be taking part in next year's cycle ride to Hamm. We are all about inclusion and promoting the positive side of disability."

My first main event is a Race Night at Bolton Villas Cricket Club, All Alone Road, Idle, Bradford on Saturday April 12. Doors open 7pm. First race 8pm

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Bradford Sport And Recreation Association For People With Disabilities will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

So please sponsor me now!

Many thanks for your support.