A cyclist from Mortlake completing a charity ride from John O’Groats to Land’s End died after being hit by an articulated lorry on the day she set off.

Anna Roots, 34, was taking part in the 12-day cycle to raise funds for Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research alongside her friend Rebekah Edgar.

The pair, who had been planning the ride for more than a year, set off from John O’Groats on Saturday, September 6, but Mrs Roots was involved in an accident on the A836 in Bettyhill, just 50 miles from John O’Groats, at about 3.15pm.

On their Justgiving page, Ms Edgar said: "The first planned day of our ride took us along the scenic north coast of Scotland to a village called Betty Hill.

"Tragically as we descended into the village that afternoon Anna was involved in a fatal collision with a lorry.

"Ian, Anna's husband, has asked me to update this page to share pictures of that day, which show Anna enjoying life as she always did.

"He asks that flowers are not sent, but where people wish to make donations they are made to this fundraising page.

"We thank friends for their continued support at this difficult time."

The friends hoped to raise £4,950 for the charity, but the total raised has now exceeded £15,000.

Paying tribute, Gill Edmonson posted: "A truly special person whom I was privileged to have known, beautiful inside and out. Thoughts with Ian, Beks and Anna's family at this time xx"

Steph Cullen posted: "We did not know each other well but my thoughts are with you, and with Ian and Beks. You will be missed more than you know x."

A Police Scotland spokesman said: "At about 3.15pm on the September 6, on the A836 at Bettyhill, a collision occurred between an articulated lorry and a bicycle.

"As a result of the collision the female rider of the bicycle sustained fatal injuries.

"Police Scotland are appealing to members of the public for any information in connection with this incident. This can be passed to police by calling 101."

To donate, visit justgiving.com/beksannaJOGLE.