A MAN is cycling solo from Land's End to John O'Groats to raise money for a charity his late father helped to set up.

Piers Dickinson is raising funds for the Charlotte Straker Project, which provides residential, nursing and respite care in Corbridge.

He is also fundraising for Cure Parkinson's. His cousin was recently diagnosed with the condition.

Piers, 52, who grew up at Brocksbushes Farm, is hoping to complete the iconic challenge in 17 days and arrive at John O'Groats on Friday, May 20.

The route will see Piers, who began cycling at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, ride just under 1,000 miles in total.

Hexham Courant: Piers is cycling from Land's End to John o'Groats.Piers is cycling from Land's End to John o'Groats. (Image: Web)

Piers' dad Billy Dickinson, who died 20 years ago, was actively involved in setting up the Charlotte Straker Project as a former Chairman of the Corbridge Parish Council.

He was also on the Board of Trustees at the charity.

"I know if he was still alive he would have wanted me to support this wonderful project at the heart of the local community in the Tyne Valley," said Piers, who now lives in North Yorkshire.

Berenice Groves, Chair of Trustees at Charlotte Straker, said: “We are so grateful to Piers and his family for supporting our charity in this way. Billy Dickinson was a key figure in founding our charity, and some of the Trustees and staff that have been with us from the very start remember him well.

"We’d like to wish Piers the very best of luck on his cycle ride and would urge any of our supporters to donate to his challenge page. The donation from the challenge will be spent on essential resources and equipment for our residents at Charlotte Straker House.”

To donate to the Charlotte Straker Project via Piers' JustGiving page, visit https://justgiving.com/fundraising/fabpcycling-charlotte-straker

To donate to Cure Parkinson's, visit https://justgiving.com/fundraising/fabpcycling