TWO Portlanders are fulfilling a lifelong ambition and raising money for the DCH Mammography appeal at the same time.

Caron Stevens, 50, and Alan ‘Sam’ Samways, 60, have been training since January 2011 to ensure they are fit for the challenge of covering 920 miles in 11 days.

They are cycling the famous Land’s End to John O’Groats route this week - finishing on June 6.

Sam has lived on Portland all his life and Caron considers herself a Portlander, having moved to the Island from Essex 25 years ago. Mr Samways said: “Caron and I discovered we had the same cycling ambition when chatting last summer on a charity walk. “In addition to this the incredible personal efforts and all the publicity surrounding the appeal to raise funds to buy the digital mammography equipment for Dorchester Hospital have spurred us on.”

The pair will cover all their own expenses and a friend Heather Ryler is driving the back-up car. Help has already been forthcoming in the form of lots of advice and spares, kit and tools for the trip from Mike at Westham Cycles.

The duo also received sponsorship and training help from The Ocean Spa on Portland.

Sam added: “Verna Herry and her team and our fellow members have been hugely supportive.”

You can donate to the mission by visiting virginmoneygiving.com Click in the ‘find a friend’ box, enter Alan Samways, then click on SAMANDCARON fund raising page and follow the instructions. Sponsorship forms are also at The Ocean Spa - telephone 01305 824117.