A PAIR of sporty youngsters are taking on an epic challenge for charity.

East and Phulmaya Bhusal are peddling 80 miles to raise funds for Cancer Research UK as they fight back against the disease that has affected their family.

They sadly lost their grandfather and seven-year-old cousin to the condition and their grandmother has also been diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Beaminster School pupil East, 13, and Phulmaya, 10, who goes to Greenford Primary School, were determined to come up with a positive response to the tragedy that has hit their family and have seen the difference Cancer Research can make with other members of their family successfully fighting the condition.

Their mum Natasha, who will join them on the ride from Bath to their home village of Maiden Newton, said: “I think it’s been quite a negative time in many ways and both have been very frightened by cancer so I thought we should do something instead of feeling helpless and worried about it so let’s do something positive.

“Phuly said right away she wanted to do something and East said he would do it too.”

Bath is where their cousin Sam was from and they will be joined on the ride by Sam’s dad Nick, who is recovering from cancer treatment, and his wife Clare.

They will set off on May 30 and visit Sam’s grave at Somerton along the way.

They will stay at a hotel overnight and hope to arrive back in Maiden Newton the following day.

They have already reached 20 miles in their training rides and Phulmaya said she was looking forward to the ride, although she was under no illusions as to how tough it was going to be.

She said: “I think it’s going to be quite hard.

“I’m definitely looking forward to the finish.”

To sponsor, visit justgiving.com/PhulyandEastsBikeRide2014