A WOMAN whose parents have both fought cancer aims to row a million metres on a rowing machine before the end of the year in aid of a cancer charity.

Mum of two, Jo Moseley, 49, began her challenge on May 5 - her parents' wedding anniversary - and hopes to complete with a marathon 42,195-metre row on December 21, raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Both of her own parents have been helped by Macmillan in recent years.

Miss Moseley, who lives near Skipton, and works at Sense of Space Architects on The Grove, Ilkley, said: "It's my way of thanking them for their support and care."

Her father had breast, bowel and skin cancer, and her mother, who died last December, had lymphoma in 2012.

She has set herself a target of raising £4,219.50 - reflecting the fact a marathon is 42,195 metres.

To date she has rowed almost half the distance she needs to complete.

Miss Moseley added: "I'm hoping to make it quite a party to celebrate the end of the challenge. Hopefully a disco ball, fairy lights, tea and cake for everyone who joins us.

"I will also have a second rowing machine so supporters can row alongside me for encouragement - 42195m is a long way."

She began using the rowing machine last year when she had difficulty sleeping, but prior to this, had not been in a gym for 25 years.

Readers can follow her progress on Twitter by following @OneHappyRower, or visit justgiving.com/OneHappyRower to make a donation online.