Simon Walsh, Max Collingwood, Ben Bowley, Jamie Saunders and Rich Campbell are cycling 980 miles in 12 days from John O'Groats to Land's End to raise money for Pancreatic Cancer UK.

In December 2015 Malcolm Troy, Rich's father-in-law, passed away from pancreatic cancer. Malcolm was a very fit man who had run multiple marathons, climbed Everest and regularly completed the Burnham-on-Sea triathlon, he was only 59. On top of these accomplishments he was also a keen cyclist, often enjoying long distance rides with his family, this was even the case after he was first diagnosed, showing Rich how it was done!

As well as this, one of Max's mum's best friends and Godmother to his sister, Sue Oliver, was also diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer and passed away in 1996. Sue was only in her early forties.

So this cycle means a lot to some of our nearest and dearest.

The team is setting off on Malcolm's birthday, 31 July, and finishing (hopefully) on 12 August. In a nod to Malcolm, Rich will be riding the final phase of the cycle on Malcolm's bike.

Now our group is mixed... we wouldn't call any of us super fit and this is the first time any of us have attempted something like this. In fact, preparation for 60% of the group has been "Step 1: Buy a bike". But knowing this we hope that people will choose to donate for this great cause!

We are pleased that the money raised for Pancreatic Cancer will be going towards vital research to help fight the disease and help identify early detection.

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Max:

In December Ben asked me if I wanted to go on a cycling tour: "Sure Ben!", "Why not Ben?" how hard can it be right? Well our newly formed team along with tour manager/support driver/singer/comedian (?) Kevin Stratton decided we'd start North, all the way North and head South, all the way South. So now I'm committed to cycling the length of the country on the infamous JOGLE route. We'll cycle around 950 miles over 12 days (or 1000+ if someone gives Ben the map) covering anywhere between 60 to 100 miles a day - using up all of our holiday and leaving wives/fiances/girlfriends suitably unimpressed in the process.

If you know me you'll know I'm fast... fast food. It's been a bit of a struggle to upgrade my diet from Netflix and Dominos to post work 40 mile rides and giving up my Saturday morning lie in to climb Cheddar Gorge in the wind and rain. I'm not where I want to be yet but this is where I'm hoping you can help. PLEASE HELP PLEASE!

By donating you'll be doing a good thing BOOM. Also, you'll be motivating me to get off my backside DOUBLE BOOM. Any amount would be appreciated - £1, £2 a £5 note if you can spare it (one of those AA ones please)

Oh, one more thing. I'm on Strava - feel free to follow and give me some stick for struggling.