COME rain or shine they aim to cycle more than 1,000 miles in just three weeks to give young people with cancer the relaxing breaks they need.

Les Cunliffe and John Higginson of the Boscombe and Southbourne Rotary Club have set off on their epic ride from Lands End to John O'Groats in aid of the Daily Echo-backed Youth Cancer Trust.

They hope to cycle between 50 and 60 miles a day and raise thousands of pounds for the Bournemouth charity which relies on donations to keep its doors open.

"Cancer is such a terrible illness. It's a terrible thing for an adult to have, but for children to be affected is something you cannot really come to terms with. They have had no life at all and here they are facing up to the biggest challenge that can hit anybody," said John.

Les added: "We both just turned 60 and wanted a challenge for our lives. We were going to do this just for our own amusement, but then we thought about the challenges other people have and what youngsters with cancer face. Our challenge cycling from Land's End to John O'Groats is nothing compared to that.

"The Youth Cancer Trust is a terrific place. The people there are so friendly and so helpful to the youngsters."

To sponsor Les and John contact the Youth Cancer Trust on 01202 763591 or click here to sponsor them online.