Two men from the South Hams are planning a cycling feat to raise money for two charities.

Gavin Alston from Loddiswell and his friend Ben Rogers from West Charleton plan to cycle from Lands End to John O’Groats in May in aid of Mind and Cancer Research.

Gavin said: “We have been friends for over 20 years and share a love of sports – we became friends when we both started playing football for East Allington football club.

“When we signed up for this last year, we were complete cycling novices, so despite the training we have put in, this will be the biggest sporting challenges either of us have either faced.”

Ben said: “As a result of the pandemic, the last 2 years have been tough for us all. In May 2021 Gavin and I met up for a pint and decided we wanted a challenge. With the ongoing travel restrictions, a UK based challenge seemed our best option. Both of us were (and probably still are) complete novices on a bike, however, my idea to ride from Lands End to John o Groats was met with an enthusiastic response from Gavin, after all, it’s very easy to sign up for an event that’s still 12 months away! We spent the rest of 2021 learning as much as we can about road cycling.

“Several of our friends are keen cyclists and have been kind enough to join us for a training ride and pass on some of their knowledge, for which we’re very grateful. With around 8 weeks to go until we set off from Lands End, we’re now ramping up the mileage in the hope that our injury prone bodies don’t get too much of a shock come May 14th!

“Our chosen charities are Cancer Research UK and Mind. Cancer affects one in two of us during our lifetime. It has an impact on all of us I’m one way or another. In recent years I have lost my step father to cancer and have friends currently fighting it.

“Any funds donated to Cancer Research UK will hopefully help them find new cures and preventions for this dreadful disease. Mind is also a wonderful charity as it provides help and support to anyone suffering a mental health problem.”

Before to the ride, they are holding a Cyclathon on Kingsbridge bandstand on tomorrow (Saturday March 19) between 9am and 4pm cycling 100km on their turbo trainers.

There will also be a prize raffle.