BOTANIST Margaret Bradshaw has completed a horse riding challenge which aimed to raise awareness of endangered plants and fund work to protect them.
Dr Bradshaw, 95, only took up riding two years ago yet has just trekked 55 miles across Teesdale, in County Durham.
She set off, on Sigma, from the Moorcock Inn, in Eggleston, in July, and tackled the route in sections.
She and riding companion Tricia Snaith finished the ride back at the pub last Friday.
Dr Bradshaw has used the ride to raise funds for her charity, the Teesdale Special Flora Research and Conservation Trust, so it can continue work surveying and protecting the dale’s unique assemblage of plants including blue spring gentian and hoary rock-rose.
Among the well-wishers who greeted Dr Bradshaw were botanist John O’Reilly, who set Dr Bradshaw the challenge and did the Great North Run for the charity, and Bishop Auckland MP Dehenna Davison.
The campaign has raised about £5,000 so far and donations can still be made at justgiving.com/campaign/teesdalespecialflora
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here