A big-hearted Dorset care home resident got on her bike to help a hospice charity despite the challenges of reduced mobility.

Stroke survivor Molly Tarrant, 84, used her static physiotherapy bike to cycle the equivalent 100-mile distance from Colten Care’s Bourne View in Poole to London.

The former factory supervisor has been unable to walk for more than two years and thought the bike ride would help with her physiotherapy and overall rehabilitation.

The ride was completed in daily sessions over several weeks with encouragement from carers at the home.

“I’ve done it,” said Molly in triumph as she clocked up the last mile, adding later: “It was very emotional and took a few minutes to sink in. I thank everyone who has helped me with this.”

Molly’s success means she has raised more than £700 for Poole-based Lewis-Manning Hospice Care.

The charity’s Area Fundraiser Vicki Gray said: “I didn’t think such a ride was possible to do but Molly has proved me wrong. What an amazing achievement.”

Molly was coached throughout her ride by Bourne View Companionship Team Members Paul Wookey and Brian Ramsey.

Brian said: “We were both with Molly at the last mile and it really was a special moment when she ‘crossed the finishing line’. We’re all so proud of her. She has done brilliantly.”

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care is a charity established 29 years ago, providing extraordinary care to patients and their families facing a life-limiting illness across Poole, Purbeck and East Dorset. It offers a range of free hospice care services aimed at helping people to live well through their illness, closer to home.

Lewis-Manning is Bourne View’s main nominated charity for residents and staff to support during 2021.