In less than two weeks, St Albans ultra-cyclist Shusanah Pillinger will be braving the "world’s toughest bicycle race" for the second time to once again raise funds for Herts Air Ambulance.

Shusanah will be taking part in Race Across America (RAAM) on June 16, and if she finishes the race, she will become the first British solo female to officially complete the challenge in the race’s 34 year history.

Last year, Shusanah attempted to complete the 3,000 mile transcontinental race, but nine days and 2,150 miles into the challenge, sleep deprivation set in causing her to fall off her bike and brake her collarbone, and therefore forfeiting the race.

However, Shusanah is not fit and ready to tackle RAAM for the second time.

The non-stop challenge begins in California (Oceanside) and finishes in Maryland (Annapolis) and involves participants cycling 3,000 miles, coast-to-coast across the USA.

Solo racers have a maximum of just over 12 days to complete the race and Shusanah will be riding between 250 - 350 miles each day, exposed to the extreme climate and will have to brave heat, wind, thunderstorms, altitude, the dark of night, fatigue and sleep deprivation and cross several major mountain ranges.

She will be racing continuously day and night with a dedicated crew of eight, following in support vehicles with food and supplies for the race. One of Shusanah’s RAAM crew members includes Essex & Herts Air Ambulance’s Critical Care Paramedic Erica Ley, who will be fulfilling the medical role throughout the challenge.

Shusanah Pillinger, said: "Last year I was supporting the Herts Air Ambulance whilst taking part in the same race but was unlucky enough to fall from my bike after 2,150 miles, breaking my collarbone.

"However I was lucky to have my own personal helicopter paramedic in the support crew so was looked after well.

"Erica's expertise was also called on to help out another cyclist who collapsed during the race - something that probably saved his life.

"Knowing what these guys can do in an emergency, from witnessing it first hand, really makes me want to help contribute to the upkeep of the vital service, so I will once again be fundraising for the Herts Air Ambulance this year.

"My primary goal is to finish the race and claim the first British solo female record without further incident but it would be fantastic if we could raise more than last year's total of £8,200 on the way.

"Every pound donated will help me to keep pedalling."

To sponsor Shusanah, visit https://www.justgiving.com/ShuRAAM2015.

You can also follow Shusanah’s journey by visiting her website, http://shupillinger.info.