It’s an incredible physical challenge which would no doubt have won the admiration of the late Captain Sir Tom Moore.

Care home resident Molly Tarrant, 85, is cycling 100 miles – the equivalent of Bournemouth to London.

That’s despite suffering a severe stroke in 2018 which resulted in the loss of the use of both her legs and her right arm.

Molly also sustained major memory loss.

But since moving to Colten Care’s Bourne View home in Poole two years ago she’s been carrying out prescribed exercises to rebuild the strength in her legs, regain muscle mass and generally help with her rehabilitation.

Molly is still unable to walk.

However, she’s been using the cycling machine nearly every day since 2019.

And it’s on that machine that the lifelong Poole resident has been doing her cycling challenge – named #MollyRidesToLondon – to raise funds for Lewis-Manning Hospice Care.

Brian Ramsey and Paul Wookey, of Bourne View’s Companionship team, pictured with Molly, said: “When chatting to Molly we came up with the idea of setting a challenge, just as Captain Sir Tom Moore did, but with a difference, and on a bike.

“Molly is aiming to cycle 100 miles, the same distance as Bournemouth to London, and raise money at the same time.

“We can’t tell you how much admiration we have for her.

“It’s helping her overcome her fears and the adversity of all that she has suffered, it’s incredible.

“Molly recently lost a couple of very close friends at the care home, not through Covid, but natural causes.

“Her mental state of mind has suffered because of this but the cycling challenge has really given her something to focus on.

“Molly has the most vibrant personality and this challenge is showing her enormous strength of character.

“We have immense respect for her.”

Molly said: “I’m really proud because I am raising money for other people and helping them.

“I’m hoping to raise £1,000 and I’ve raised £348 so far.

“I love the fact that I’m fundraising for such a brilliant charity, Lewis-Manning Hospice Care, which is based just down the road from where I’ve always lived.

“I’ve heard about the work that they do for patients with life limiting illnesses and I wanted to do something myself and give something back.

“So far I’ve cycled nine miles and I’m cycling most days, with the occasional rest day.

“Mostly I cycle for about ten minutes each day but last Saturday I cycled for 30 minutes.

“I felt good so just kept going, because I could!”

Jeremy Allin, Chairman, Lewis-Manning Hospice Care , said: “What a wonderful lady Molly is, with so much grit and determination and very much to be admired.

“We are extremely grateful for Molly taking on this challenge and raising funds for her local hospice.

“It’s very much appreciated by everyone.”

Born in Poole in 1936, Molly married Frank in her early 20’s at Oakdale Church.

Frank passed away in 2000.

Molly has lived in Oakdale all her life and in the same house for 40 years.

In her working life she was a delivery driver.

• To donate to #MollyRidesToLondon, please click here.