A determined Harold Wood woman lost four stone in six months so she could cycle 62 miles for charity.

Laura Burke, 25, will saddle up for the London Nightrider in June – an all-night cycle around the city – to raise money for the Stroke Association in memory of her grandfather Stan, who died last year after suffering two strokes.

Laura, of Avenue Road, said Stan’s experience had encouraged her to take a look at her own lifestyle.

“He was so active,” said Laura. “He worked for West Ham until he was 65, and the only reason he stopped was that he had his first stroke. If someone so active can die from that, it makes you think you should sort yourself out while you can.”

Laura, who starts teacher training later this year, has been eating more healthily and going to the gym regularly – but still expects a steep challenge when she takes to the cycle lanes with friend Nathan Woods.

“This will be the furthest we’ve cycled ever,” she said. “We’re not really keen cyclists but I think the adrenaline and the fact we’ve raised all this money will keep us going.

“There’ll be no stopping us.”

So far, Laura and Nathan have raised nearly �700 – but hope to pump up donations to the �1000 gauge before the ride, which starts in the early hours of the 10th.

Despite the unsocial hours, Laura’s five-year-old daughter Mia will be cheering her on as she wheels over the finish line at about 8am.

“We’ll try not to pass out,” she laughed. “Once we’re home we’ll probably go for lunch and then just sleep.”

To support Laura, please visit www.justgiving.com/laura-burke1.