INTREPID fundraisers will cycle, canoe and climb from dawn until dusk on Saturday (August 30) for a charity that changes the lives of critically ill children.

Darlington-based Niven Architects colleagues Johnathan Munkley, Marc Warren and Stephen Abbott are taking part in the Race the Sun challenge in aid of Action Medical Research for Children.

The trio and their friend Paul Murphy set off at dawn in a Lakeland trial rated one of the toughest on the calendar.

A 25 mile cycle ride leads them to the base of the 3,000ft Helvellyn, which they will have to climb before canoeing around Thirlmere and riding the 25 miles back to base.

Weather conditions are forecast to be very wet and the team is also planning to camp, making the event even more challenging.

The marathon effort is expected to take more than 12 hours and raise more than £2,000 for the charity, which researches rare and life-threatening diseases and supports children with serious conditions.

Building information management (BIM) manager Mr Munkley, 28, of Norton, architectural technician Mr Warren, 29, of Middlesbrough, associate Mr Abbott, 34, and Mr Murphy, 28, both of Billingham, have been planning the ride for weeks, inspired by the work of the charity.

Mr Munkley said: “It’s important to support charity and Action Medical Research does some incredible work to help some of the country’s sickest children.

“We have all cycled and hiked before but for me the canoeing will be a real learning curve. It is a fantastic event well out of our traditional comfort zones.”

Anyone wanting to sponsor the Niven team should visit action.org.uk/sponsor/nivenarchitects