Hills, potholes and 40C heat greeted a Willesborough cyclist when she took part in a charity ride in Vietnam and Cambodia.

But Lesley Hall, 57, loved every minute of the fundraising event, which she completed for Parkinson’s UK in memory of her father.

The therapist, who lives in Kennington Road, said: “It was very hot, we were cycling in 40C heat.

"But the trip was very well organised and the guide made sure we drank lots of water and kept our salt and sugar levels up.

“When we finished there were a lot of tears. I was doing it for my dad and there was one woman cycling in memory of her husband, and we were both standing there crying.

“The people we met were lovely and very friendly. Villagers cooked our meals every time we stopped and the money we paid went straight to them.

"We ate fruit picked straight from the trees, such as bananas and lychees, and if we wanted coconut milk to drink someone just picked one from the tree, chopped the top off and put a straw in it.

“We had time to look around the temples too and the scenery was beautiful. It was an amazing experience.”

Lesley, who paid for the trip herself so all sponsorship money could go to the charity, was aiming to raise £1,000 but has already collected almost £2,000. Sponsor Lesley at www.virginmoneygiving.com/LesleyHall13 until the end of January.