A FUNDRAISING exercise session is to help send a fitness instructor on a 230-mile charity cycle ride around Cuba.

Janet Balfour, from Park View South, Chester-le-Street, will be taking part in the cycle ride in March with infertility expert Professor Robert Winston, who has presented television programmes such as the Human Body.

Prof Winston will be the only man, and one of several celebrities, to take part in the cycle ride. The trip will raise money for Women For Women, which funds training for women scientists and clinicians in pioneering work in pregnancy and women's health.

The trip will involve covering about 50 miles a day over often hilly terrain.

It starts in Cuba's capital city of Havana, then journey through towns, villages and sugar, coffee and mango plantations, and will finish at a beach near the World Heritage town of Trinidad.

On October 19, Jane will be staging a fundraising day at Park View Community Centre, between 2pm and 4pm, to raise some of the £2,500 needed to cover the cost of the trip and raise money for the appeal.

There will be a sponsored fun work-out, a raffle, stalls and other attractions.

Call 0191-389 0544 to book tickets or take part.