Four Middle Aged Men who should know better - Paul Appelquist, Ian Chambers, Mark Gayfer, Neil Stevenson - are donning the lycra and attempting to ride from Lands End to John O'Groats. We're fundraising for a charity which supports people and families affected by a rare genetic disorder, SMA UK to which we have a personal link; Ian and Jane lost their son Ben to Type 1 SMA 25 years ago, so we know that any amount donated will make a massive difference.

Starting on 24 May our route makes its way through the West Country, across into central Wales, up to Manchester through Lancashire and Cumbria to Scotland. Once across the border we're heading to Glasgow and then going west through our home towns (Knightswood, Cardross, Helensburgh, and Garelochhead) to Oban, up to Mallaig, and across to Skye. As if the ride wasn't long enough, we're going to take in the longest climb in the UK, the Bealach Na Ba, over to Applecross and then follow the iconic North Coast 500 to John O'Groats, aiming to arrive on 3 June. The numbers are terrifying:

Distance: 1190 miles / 1916 km

Climbing: 67,670 ft / 20600 m

11 Days in the saddle (c110 miles/day)

Combined age 220

Why? Because it's there (!) - and in doing something we enjoy we also want to help a small (very personal) charity that really makes a difference to families affected by SMA.

For what? SMA UK www.smauk.org.uk

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a rare, genetic, neuromuscular condition. It causes progressive muscle weakness and loss of movement due to muscle wasting (atrophy). Babies who have its most severe form (Type 1) will start to show symptoms around 2-4 months and usually do not make it to their first birthday.

Established for over 30 years, SMA UK are a charity that supports, campaigns and advocates so that everyone affected by Spinal Muscular Atrophy can access the best care, services and treatments, and benefit from continued research.

Ian, Mark, Neil and Paul understand the impact of SMA and want to promote and support the charity.

Follow us on Facebook at 'LEJOG for SMA' or the regular updates on this page.