A DORSET doctor is to cycle to John O'Groats on a bike named after the Scottish village.

Consultant nephrologist Nick Hateboer is to ride almost 1,000 miles from Land's End to the northernmost tip of Scotland to raise cash for his kidney patients.

Dutch-born Dr Hateboer, 39, a keen cyclist from Amsterdam, said: "I have been riding a bike all my life.

"Everybody cycles in Holland, so that's how I grew to love it.

"My bike is a Vittorio with hand made wheels, purchased around 13 years ago in a shop in Alkmaar."

Dr Hateboer, who is married with two daughters and lives in Dorchester, explained: "The shop owner, Jan Groot, specialises in touring and long-distance cycles.

"And interestingly, the village John O'Groats gets its name from a Dutchman called Jan de Groot, who obtained the ferry contract to the Orkneys in 1496.

"It is quite bizarre that I am cycling on a Jan Groot bike to Jan de Groot."

The doctor will donate all proceeds from his venture to the Dorset Kidney Fund, and hopes that old dialysis machines can be replaced in Dorset County Hospital's renal unit, where he is based.

He has not set a cash target, but just wants to raise "as much as possible".

He said it is his ambition of a lifetime to tackle the famous route across Britain, which will take him 13 days from Sunday, May 11, to Friday, May 23.

The medic added: "I will follow the scenic route of the CTC - the national cyclists' organisation - for the first five days.

"Part of my route plan was also inspired by elements of The Great British Bike Adventure by Phil Horsley, and I especially liked the idea of cycling over the Isle of Arran."

Dr Hateboer has already gained sponsorship from medical and pharmaceutical firms, and is urging Echo readers to contribute to the Dorset Kidney Fund.

He said: "The Dorset Kidney Fund raises money for patients to improve their quality of life."

You can download sponsor forms from the Internet by visiting www.hateboer.charitydays.co.uk/sponsorform.htm