Having cycled the entire length of the British Isles for her 60th birthday, Pam Nash returned a year later to visit the places she missed the first time around.

Now, celebrating her 70th year, Mrs Nash, from Pilgrims Way, Hollingbourne, took a well deserved break by travelling to Paris for three days, before returning last night ahead of the real party...a 27km triathlon.

Mrs Nash, who is a member of Hollingbourne Bell Ringers, will take part in a 750metre swim, 21.2km bike ride and 5km run this Sunday in aid of the group’s attempts to raise £38,000 to refurbish the bells at All Saints Church, in Upper Street, and buy two new ones.

The 70-year-old, who swims a mile three times a week, said: “I should be fine with all the elements, it’s just throwing them together that’s a worry. I’m really dreading the run.

“I’ll be happy to even finish and would be delighted to do so in under two and a half hours.”

Adding: “Some people like a cruise in their old age, but not me. When I was 60, my husband Bill and I cycled more than 1,400km from Land’s End to John o’Groates and we returned a year later to cycle the same distance from Cape Wrath to Dover.”

Her son-in-law Greg Mayes, who regularly takes part in triathlons, encouraged her to enter the challenge.

He said: “Pam volunteered one Sunday lunch time, perhaps after too many glasses of wine, and before she had a chance to change her mind I’d signed her up, informing her by email.”

The head of the group, tower captain Nigel Baker, said: “Pam has been with the group for the past 20 years, when I first heard about her plan a fortnight ago I thought she was mad, but I have confidence in her as she a remarkable lady who is extremely active for her age.”

Donations to Pam’s cause can be sent to the bell ringers’ charity account – sort code: 089299, account number: 65730001.