Former firefighter takes on cycle challenge after Parkinson's diagnosis

Leanne Owen in training for her 477-mile cycle challenge Credit: ITV Yorkshire

A woman from South Elmsall is taking on a 477-mile cycle challenge through Yorkshire and into Lincolnshire to raise awareness of Parkinson's disease.

Leanne was forced to retire from a successful career as a firefighter after being diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease Credit: Leanne Owen

Leanne Owen was diagnosed with the condition at the age of just 42 - forcing her to retire from a successful career as a firefighter.

Now the mother-of-two is aiming to raise the profile of Parkinson's disease, along with funds for research into a cure.

Leanne will take on a 477-mile route across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire Credit: ITV News

The route will take Leanne, her co-rider and support team from Wakefield through towns and cities in West Yorkshire, down to Sheffield and across to Scunthorpe. From there she will head up to Hull and to Scarborough and Whitby, through North Yorkshire before turning south once more and heading through York, Selby and eventually back to Wakefield.