A WEYMOUTH woman who became the country’s first female speedway professional is gearing up for the ride of a lifetime.

Motorbike-mad Katie McAuley, 38, is preparing for a gruelling two-week motorbike endurance race across South Africa’s Eastern Cape.

To support the trip Katie is holding a fundraising event in Weymouth next month. Money raised will go towards helping save lives in Africa.

Katie, nee Mason, grew up in Weymouth and went to Wey Valley School.

She became passionate about motocross as a child and rode at national level before moving into speedway. In a sport dominated by men, she proved she could compete with the best of them and became the first female rider to sign and race for a team, the Hackney Hawks.

Now a mum-of-two living in the north east of England and working as a children’s nurse, Katie still rides in speedway and is involved in coaching.

She said: “In the Enduro Africa event I will be racing along with other riders from across the world over some of the most hazardous terrain I will ever encounter on my bike.

“I will be riding eight to 12 hours a day which will be mentally and physically draining.”

Money raised by Enduro Africa riders supports causes helping to save the lives of Africa’s poorest people. Katie aims to raise £5,000 and this will be split between UNICEF, Sentebale, Nelson Mandela’s Children Fund and Touch Africa.

She said: “The money will be put towards building new schools, play areas and computer suites for under-privileged children.

“I will personally be helping out on my one day off from riding.

“It will be amazing to see the children’s faces and the pleasure that they will get from these facilities that a lot of us take for granted.”

Enduro Africa is in October but Katie’s fundraising event is at Redlands Community Sports Hub on Saturday, June 16. For tickets and details including advertising opportunities on Katie’s bike and clothing call her on 07860 429333 or email speedwaykate_1@hotmail.com