A FUNDRAISING waitress is gearing up for a 70-mile bike ride challenge to help boost Sidmouth Lifeboat.

Becca Mawson, 46, who works at Fields of Sidmouth, only took up cycling in July – but loves the activity so much she’ll take on Wight Riviera Sportive next month.

The challenge covers the best of the Isle of Wight’s quiet roads and spectacular views, racking up more than 2,200m of climbing across the island’s steep profile.

Becca said that her legs needed a different challenging activity from all the walking that she has done for charity in the past.

She now cycles to work from her home in Seaton three times a week and particularly relishes Salcombe Hill.

Becca, who has worked in Fields’ coffee shop for nine years, said: “I believe that the Sidmouth Lifeboat is a great facility that supports locals and holidaymakers alike. As I live and work in the area that the Lifeboat covers, I thought that it was particularly appropriate to support another relatively small but important charity.”

Becca’s charity cycling antics won’t stop in the Isle of Wight.

She has signed up to ride from London to Brighton in aid of the British Heart Foundation and will also take part in the inaugural 100-mile Jurassic Classic to boost a prostate cancer charity.

Becca has become well-known for taking on annual fundraising challenges.

In 2010, she walked 100 miles in sweltering heat around Sidmouth to raise more than �1,250 for Ellie’s Haven.

Last year, she walked three Moonlight Marathons – in London, Edinburgh and Reykjavik, for breast cancer causes, raising �3,000.

? You can sponsor Becca by calling in to Fields’ coffee shop.