ONE man is on a 1,000-mile mission to cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

Father-of-two Paul Vallance from Weymouth is aiming to raise £1,500 for the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust.

Mr Vallance, 46, is cycling in memory of his mother-in-law Carol-Ann Keenan, who died six years ago from breast cancer, and his aunt Jean Dagger, who died of a brain tumour in 2008.

Both women spent time in the Joseph Weld Hospice before they died.

Mr Vallance, of Comet Close, Lanehouse, who works as a planner for BT, said: “The support from Weldmar was fantastic.

“I think they are amazing, it’s a job I couldn’t do and I wanted to repay them for all they’ve done for my family.”

Backed up by his friend, support vehicle driver, Gary Copperthwaite, Mr Vallance will cycle an average of 90 miles a day for 10 days. He will stay in hotels and with friends along the way.

Mr Vallance, who was in the Royal Marines for five years, including service during the Falklands War, admits this challenge will be one of the toughest he has faced.

He said: “I’m not a keen cyclist, but it’s just a case of getting your head straight and doing it.

“It’s definitely a big challenge for me.”

Mr Vallance has received support from local businesses. Westham Cycles have loaned him a bike and kit, Dorset Tree Works paid for the hire of the van and Stuart Barnes Ltd paid for the fuel.

For the last two days Mr Vallance will be joined on the road by his elder brother Gary, 49.

Together they will travel from Fort William, passing the Royal Marine Commando monument and on to John O’Groats.

Mr Vallance, who started his ride last week, said: “I have to finish the challenge by June 19, because three days after it’s my daughter Katie’s birthday and I have to be back for it.”

The family, including wife Sarah and daughters Sydney, seven, and Katie, who will be four, intend to celebrate with a day out at a local holiday park at the end of the challenge.

To support the challenge visit www.justgiving.com/ paulvallance or call 01305 215315.