An Olympic runner who has held a youth track record for more than 40 years is taking fitness to the extreme again with a charity cycle from London to Monte Carlo.

Jan Wood, 54, who owns Mane Cuts Hair Design on Chapel Lane, Wilmslow , became used to challenging physical feats in her past as an athlete who competed in the 1980 Moscow Olympics, where she made the semi-finals in the 1,500m.

By the time she was 11, she held the world record for 800m, competing internationally for years over 400m, 800m and 1,500m.

The mum-of-four still holds the under-13s British 800m record – still unbroken more than 40 years later.

Now, in a bid to raise £5,000 for a children’s charity, Jan is cycling 854 miles in eight and a half days - from the Lloyds Building in London to Casino Square Monaco. She is bravely taking on the challenge in aid of the Wooden Spoon Society – which helps physically, mentally or socially disadvantaged children – despite the fact that she was injured in a road accident a few years ago when her bike collided head-on with a van.

Jan, who used to teach aerobics in Wilmslow, said: “Cycling 860 miles is a big deal for me as I had a bike accident a number of years ago and am still very nervous each time I come to get on my bike.

“I work for RPost UK as operations manager and have attended the Rendezvous de Septembre conference in Monte Carlo for the past few years but have always taken the easy route of flying.

“This year I’ve decided to challenge myself and cycle there with a small group of cyclists.

“I’ve always had a keen interest in sport and fitness and am a qualified scuba diver and keen sailor, but cycling has never really figured in my sporting background so this will be a big challenge, with a gruelling ride through the Alps.

“But I hope it will ultimately benefit the charity.”

Jan, who is married to Dave and now lives in Chester, still has a family home in Prestbury and is mum to Rachael, Stacey, Claire and Oliver.

She said: “I realise what a privileged upbringing our children have had and felt it was time to give something back to children in less fortunate circumstances.”

The ride starts on Friday, August 30, and will finish on Saturday, September 7. Visit justgiving.com/Janet-Wood3.