A Biddulph triathlete is raising money for charity by cycling around the world - but is doing it all from the comfort of her own home.

Since the start of the year, Beth Eardley has been making progress on her challenge to cycle the distance around the world on an exercise bike - a route that will see her cover 18,000 miles.

To achieve this feat by the end of the year she will need to cycle almost 50 miles a day, every single day of the year.

Being an accomplished triathlete Beth is no stranger to taking on tough fitness challenges, having previously cycled the distance of Route 66 - some 2,500 miles - but her virtual round the world trip will be her most demanding test yet.

She is taking on the challenge to raise money for the Alzheimer's Society, which she decided to raise money for after her grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

Beth told Biddulph Nub News more about her challenge.

Discussing her background as a triathlete, she said: "I did my first triathlon in 2012 when I was 17. It was the Cheshire sprint triathlon in Nantwich - a race that both my Dad and Grandad had previously done.

"However, I then didn't compete again until I was in my last year of university in 2016. I have won the Cheshire triathlon twice since then (for the ladies), but the most known triathlon I have done is probably Ironman UK in Bolton, with the most well known race overall being the London Marathon."

Beth said she wanted to take on "a big challenge" this year after many of her upcoming races were cancelled due to the pandemic.

She said: "Cycling is something that I've always loved doing, and so have my Mum and Dad. I wanted a big challenge as many of my races this year may be cancelled - I am currently entered into the Cheshire sprint triathlon, Ironman Hamburg, the thunder run and the Manchester marathon.

"I had just read Ross Edgley's book about him swimming around Great Britain and have read about Mark Beaumont setting the world record for cycling around the world and it motivated me."

Explaining why she wanted to raise money for the Alzheimer's Society, she added: "My grandma was diagnosed with Alzheimer's at the end of 2019 and it has been a real awakening to see her over the last 18 months, and in the lead up to her diagnosis.

"The Alzheimer's Society have said that they should see a breakthrough for treatment by 2025 if they have the funding and I wanted to be a part of it. In May 2020, I virtually cycled Route 66 for the charity, and raised over £4000, but knew I needed to go bigger and better to raise more money."

Beth wasted no time in getting started in her challenge, completing her first cycle on January 1st this year. However, she will need to average 49.3 miles a day every day this year if she is to finish by December 31st.

She has currently cycled the equivalent of the distance through Europe, and is now taking on the mammoth leg across Russia, the largest country in the world.

Beth remains confident that she will finish in time, saying: "I have done a few long events before. As I mentioned, I virtually cycled 2,500 miles for Route 66 last may in three weeks and have cycled coast to coast four times between 2008-2011, and the Ironman itself is a long event.

"However, I have never done such a long lasting event that relies on such consistency throughout such a long period of time. I am confident that I will finish because I'm stubborn! But know that it will become more of a challenge as lockdown lifts and socialising and holidays return."

While she is cycling, Beth also posts triathlon tip videos on her YouTube channel. She explained: "My YouTube channel is pretty new but is little videos about triathlon tips to help anybody that's interested in getting involved in triathlon or is looking to improve their triathlon skills.

"I thought I should use my available time to help people however I can in something that I feel so passionate about. I want other people to share my passion for cycling and triathlon."

So far in her challenge Beth has raised £345 on her JustGiving page. If you would like to donate, click here.