FOUR friends are to take on an ambitious cycling challenge to raise much-needed funds for charity.

John Hanley, Mike Dibb-Fuller, David Grainger and Steve Barlow, all of Wylam, will cycle the length of Britain ­— Land’s End to John o’Groats (LEJOG) ­— to fundraise for Fareshare North East.

They will cycle 1,000 miles in 13 days, averaging 77 miles each day, climbing 64,455ft ­— the equivalent of twice the height of Mount Everest.

FareShare North East aims to fight hunger and tackle food waste by redistributing food industry surplus, which would otherwise go to waste, to people who need it most.

David and Mike both volunteer for the charity, working in its warehouse and on its delivery vans.

David said: “We have had the privilege of being involved in their work, helping to ensure some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in the North-East benefitted from food support during the Covid pandemic.

“We still see first-hand the need that is around us, and how vital the work of FareShare North East continues to be”.

Funds raised on the cycle will help the charity to pay for a new, refrigerated van so food can be delivered safely across the region to community groups and charities.

David added: “We are paying for all costs associated with our trip. Therefore, you can be assured that your much-appreciated donation will go straight towards the work of FareShare North East”.

To donate, people can go to: https://donorbox.org/wylam-friends-cycling-to-fight-hunger