A GROUP of four friends are due to set off on the most challenging ride of their life when they attempt to cycle from John O’Groats to Lands End in nine days.

Austin Gregg, from Masham, North Yorkshire sets off on his 937 miles bike ride on Friday, August 8, hoping to arrive in Cornwall on Saturday, August 16.

He said he had difficulty persuading people to join his feat, but a local builder Adam Cundall eventually agreed, along with two more friends Mick Gilby and Stewart Robinson.

Mr Gregg wanted to do the ride to raise money for Parkinsons UK. His grandfather has suffered from the incurable disease for more than ten years.

Mr Gregg said they will be relying on their determination to get there, as training has been “hit and miss” and they will have no support vehicle to accompany them.

He said: “Training has been hit and miss, with Stewart and I doing a fair amount of cycling but Adam has only done around 200 miles all year on his bike with Mick only really beginning training in the last few weeks.

“To make the odds of our success even worse Adam dislocated his shoulder racing in a 10km Total Warrior obstacle event last weekend.

“However, we are an extremely determined bunch and I can promise we will do our absolute best to arrive in Lands End on the 16th.”

To sponsor Austin Gregg, visit the JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/Austin-Gregg