Kenilworth squash star supports firefighter during her charity challenge

A squash star from Kenilworth turned out to support a firefighter during part of her charity challenge at the weekend.

On-call firefighter Alison Insley has been taking on the challenge of cycling 25 miles everyday for the 25 days leading up to her 50th birthday on June 3.

She has been completing the challenge using an exercise bike as well as going out cycling.

Last Saturday (May 23) Alison had professional squash player Sarah-Jane Perry join her on her driveway while she completed a section of her challenge on the static bike.

Sarah-Jane also signed squash balls for everyone that was there supporting Alison and the charities that morning.

Alison said: "Thank you to Sarah-Jane for supporting my challenge and my chosen charities, it's lovely that she took the time out early on a Saturday morning before her training session to come over.

"As of today (Tuesday) I have exactly one week to go. I have now completed 18 days and 450 miles, so seven days and 175 miles to go."

Alison Insley, who has lived in Kenilworth since 1990, also works full time for the Warwickshire library service.

On June 3 Alison will be celebrating her birthday but this year will also be 14 years since her mother died - 25 days before her 36th birthday.

Alison is taking on the challenge to help raise money for University College London Amyloidosis Research Fund and The Firefighters Charity.

Alison's mother, Bimla Nakra, was born in India and came to England in 1965, she settled in Coventry around 1967.

Bimla died on May 9 2006 of Amyloidosis, which is a progressive disease which is caused by a build up of amyloid protein fibres in tissues and organs throughout the body which eventually causes vital organ failure.

Although treatable, the illness has no cure.

Alison added: "I want to raise money for the hospital that cared for my mother during her illness (UCL) and for the Firefighters Charity who provide mental, physical and social support to UK fire fighters in need, through the coronavirus crisis and beyond."

To donate go to: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AlisonInsley