A TEAM of Somerset cyclists has set off on a demanding cycling challenge to raise money for charity.

Max Collingwood and Ben Bowley, from North Petherton, with Richard Campbell, Simon Walsh, Jamie Saunders from Burnham-on-Sea, have set off on a 980-mile trek from John O’Groats to Lands End (JOGTLE) and aim to complete the challenge in 12 days.

The JOGTLE team is raising money for Pancreatic Cancer UK in memory of Richard’s father-in-law, Malcolm Troy, who died of pancreatic cancer in December 2015, aged 59.

Mr Campbell, said: “None of us have ever done anything like this before - in fact some of the guys actually had to go out and buy bikes just so that they could undertake the challenge.

“But we have all been training and working really hard and are delighted with how the fundraising has been going.

“Malcolm was a very keen cyclist and we went on many long-distance rides together, even after he was diagnosed with cancer, so it only seems fitting that we do this challenge in his memory.

“We set off on July 31, which would have been Malcolm’s birthday, and I will be riding Malcolm’s bike for the final part of the cycle.”

The determined team is following a closely-planned out route, staying in hotels, bed and breakfasts and hostels and are being supported by their friend Kevin Stratton, who will be driving a support vehicle for the duration of the ride.

Kevin will also be taking on his own personal challenge in aid of Pancreatic Cancer UK later this year and is aiming to run 13 half marathons in 13 days.

Earlier this year Richard’s wife, Charlotte Campbell, completed the London Marathon in memory of her father Malcolm and raised £7,000 for Pancreatic Cancer UK.

“The team are doing so well, both with their fundraising and with the ride” she said.

“With the £7,000 I raised for Pancreatic Cancer UK from the marathon in April, fingers crossed between us, we might be set to raise about £13,000 this year.

“I can only hope this goes towards making a difference to the lives of people, like my dad, affected by this terrible cancer.

“I know my dad would have been absolutely delighted to have inspired such sporting prowess and I have no doubt that he is with them in spirit as they make their way to Land’s End.”

To sponsor the team, visit justgiving.com/jogtlecycle17.