A VALE car sales woman swapped four wheels for two and headed for South Africa to complete a cycle tour in support of a young man and his education.

Jo Carruthers, who lives near Mickleton part of the year, decided to take on the Cape Town Cycle Tour in South Africa, where she also has a home, in March, to raise money for ten-year-old Uviwe Kayeki who needs help funding his education.

Uviwe lives in Zwelihle, Hermanus, in South Africa, with his mum and two older sisters and currently goes to school.

This is possible as his mother works two jobs, seven days a week, as Uviwe's father died after being poisoned with antifreeze.

But to be able to remain in education and achieve his dream of becoming a doctor the youngster needs more money and support.

Ms Carruthers, who spends part of each year in Hermanus, South Africa, has cycled the Cape Town Cycle Tour, previously known as the Argus, before.

But this year she decided to raise money for a child in the coastal town she spends part of the year living in.

So she entered the event, which is the largest cycle tour in the world with around 34,000 riders, 90,000 spectators and 105 kms of cycling over some of the highest mountain passes in the Cape Peninsula, once again but only had to contend with 47 km as an outbreak of bush fires that had raged across the Table Mountain National Park forced the ride to be cut down.

This year she completed the challenge in less than two hours and posted on Facebook: "I am thrilled that I completed the cycling tour in 1:58, not bad for these old legs.

"This is an amazing event, a huge challenge, but I consider it all worth it, having raised over £1,000 towards the educational funds for Uviwe.

"Thank you to my friends, family and customers for your interest and support.

"Uviwe is a remarkable little boy and it is a wonderful thing to give someone with so little, the encouragement, time and financial support to help him achieve his dreams."

If you are interested in Uviwe’s story and would like to support him visit uviwe.com.