A WEE COUNTY cyclist who lost her sight to a rare disorder has pedalled 500 miles and raised more than £1,000 for charity in the process.

Last month, Laura Cluxton started the hefty challenge, which is equivalent to cycling from her home in Clackmannanshire to London.

Incredibly, she completed it in just 16 days, using a stationary bike in her garage.

She chose to take on the mammoth cycle in a bid to raise funds for Forth Valley Sensory Centre.

The centre saw a huge drop in its revenue after closing in March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

It is based in Camelon, and is a place where people with visual or hearing loss can access quality services and advice.

And supporting it through these tough times is something that means a lot to Laura, and she lost her own sight to a rare genetic condition called Retinitis Pigmentosa while she was in her 20s.

Thankfully, Laura was well placed to take on the challenge – as she is already an accomplished track cyclist.

In 2014, she competed in tandem pairs at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

Laura documented her cycling challenges in videos uploaded to YouTube.

Speaking moments after she finished her final ride, she said: "That ride, it wasn't too bad, but I was finding it tough.

"The pace wasn't as quick as it has been, but I'm feeling it after 500 miles in the legs.

"But, well done me.

"So now, at the end of this, I'm going away to get a little glass of celebration Prosecco."

Martin Allen, centre fundraising manager, added: "Laura has taken us all on an amazing journey with a video covering each of her rides.

"Sore legs never got in the way and Laura has covered each mile with amazing grace and humour.

"Thank you to Laura and everyone who donated to support this amazing effort."