A grandmother from Monmouth who cycled from Lands End to John O’Groats on an electric bike, has written a book about her epic adventure.

Published with the help and support of Jelly Bean Books, Christine Green recounts the adventure of a lifetime as in 2017 at 70-years-old she cycled on her electric bike from Land’s End, recognised as the most southernly tip of the UK, in Cornwall, to John O’Groats, situated in the extreme North East of Scotland.

Speaking to the Beacon about the challenge, Christine said: “I have always enjoyed cycling and for my 70th birthday I had an electric bike.

‘‘I cycled from Land’s End to John o’ Groats on it, without any back up or company.

‘‘I finished just short of my 71st birthday but felt 17 again.”

Combining the Sustrans and Cicerone End to End routes, along with her own deviations, she finished her challenge after 30 days in the saddle, raising £7,000 for cancer charity ‘Women v Cancer’ in the process.

Since her ride she has given many talks to local institutions including the Womens Institute about her adventure, and having been encouraged by those present at these talks to write a book about her challenge, Christine decided to give it a go.

Speaking about the book, she said: “My daughter encouraged me to think about getting it published.

‘‘When planning my adventure I read about those who had done this challenge and thought that my route, which I put together myself, might be of interest to others.

“Electric bikes are now very popular and I thought that my trip on one would add a unique dimension, and feedback so far from readers has been very positive.”

Originally from Scotland, Christine moved to Monmouthshire in 1959 and lives on a small sheep farm near Trellech where she helps her husband, who works as a Chartered Accountant, with his hobby of sheep farming.

Christine says she has always enjoyed writing and has had some minor successes, but this is her first published book.

Despite being nearly 75, Christine is still actively involved with the Chepstow U3A cycle group and enjoys Pilates, travelling and painting as some of her various hobbies, as well as spending time with her family and two grandchildren.

In the book we learn of Christine’s training regime in Monmouthshire and Mallorca which stood her in good stead as she later coped with the challenges, she faced alone during her 1,000-mile ride.

Drawing us into her book, and the ride, we share her trials of breaking down on Dartmoor, having illicit offers from strangers and becoming hypothermic in a remote Highland glen.

Throughout the pages of the book, Christine’s grit, determination and humour shine through, whilst she also acknowledges the kindness of strangers and generosity of people whom she met en route.

Speaking about the reaction to her challenge, Christine said: “People have lauded me with praise for what I achieved, but I deserve none of that.

‘‘The people who deserve the praise are those fighting illnesses of all kinds, often without complaining.

‘‘All that I had to do was to keep pedalling.”

Christine added: “Many things seem impossible until they are done.”

Since the book has been published, Christine has been interviewed on BBC Radio Wales and has also received very good reviews on Amazon with her book proving to be ever popular.

‘End to End’ is now available in Rossiter book shop in Monmouth as well as being available to order on Amazon, and a percentage of sales from the book will go to the charity ‘Women v Cancer’.