Jacky Jarrett is taking on the Bristol to Paris Cycle Challenge for a second time, having first completed it in 2017. Here she talks about why she's back for the fifth anniversary year.

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My seven-year-old son was born three months premature weighing 1lb 10oz. He was saved by St Michael’s Hospital and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and is now under the care of the children’s hospital.

My step-son has an on going condition and has had admissions to the children’s hospital and is now treated at the BRI. My parents and parents-in-law have used the BRI. They are all amazing hospitals and do anything to make inpatient stays more bearable.

I previously did the ride in 2017. My motivation was partly for myself as I wanted to take on a physical challenge for the year I turned 50. I was late applying and had my name on a waiting list. Then with eight weeks to go I was offered a place so had to do as much training as I could and raise the money.

On the ride I met great people and challenged myself to keep going when I was at the back and when it was raining.

I was encouraged to go again because it is a different route and the ride is in September so this time I've had a year to prepare. This year my 20-year-old daughter Natalya is riding too. It will be a great bonding opportunity for us now she is growing into an independent woman.

I know a lot of people so I have texted, emailed and Facebooked people I know for sponsorship. I've also ridden on the static bike at the hospital for hours and sold knitted toys and I had a fund raising party with tombola and dice games.

To take on the challenge you don’t have to be super fit or young. You will feel amazing when you complete the ride into Paris. Use your network and skills to raise the money or put in your own money just to have the experience.

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For more information on the challenge, visit the Bristol to Paris Cycle Challenge page on our website.