FIREFIGHTERS will be taking on the challenge to cycle 1,000 miles in four days, to raise funds for a children’s cancer charity.

Anthony Wilson, aged 38, and Lee Harding, 44, will be getting on the saddle to raise money for the Grace Kelly Ladybird Trust.

The pair were inspired to take part in the event as both have been touched on a personal level by childhood leukaemia.

Mr Wilson, from Pershore, who works for Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We know a family who lost their son through cancer, he was only three. It has touched us a lot.

“The Grace Kelly Ladybird Trust was an amazing help to both the child and the family in a time of complete devastation.”

Mr Harding, from Worcester, said: “We have both got young families and we understand it is a position nobody ever wants to be in. We wanted to raise money for the Grace Kelly Ladybird Trust as it is a local charity and supports local families.”

On August 9, the pair will be setting off from John O' Groats to start a gruelling cycle ride to Land’s End.

The average time to complete the 1,000-mile bike ride is nine to 12 days, however the pair have agreed to take on the challenge to compete the journey in just four.

Speaking about the training, Mr Harding added: “It has been gruelling – we have spent hours and hours on the saddle.

"Taking on this challenge has been a huge commitment. At the moment we are training every day for about an hour and a half, and on weekends we go on a five-hour ride. We are planning to increase the intensity soon.

“It is a big a challenge, however, at the end of the day it is four days of suffering, whereas families go through a lifetime of suffering. We want to do this so we can make a small change.”

For donations towards the Grace Kelly Ladybird Trust and to support the firefighters, visit:

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