A WEST Devon lawyer is limbering up in preparation to pedal 1,000 miles from Tavistock to Rome this month.

David Wilde from Chilcotts Solicitors in Tavistock will be riding the distance unsupported to raise funds for the Cornwall Down Syndrome Support Group.

He previously helped to raise £21,000 for the same charity during a cycle ride from Cornwall to Paris with 17 other riders, in 2010.

David said: 'The big difference with this ride is I am on my own. No support crew and reliant on my map reading abilities. The mammoth task is likely to take just over 10 days as I cycle the 1,000 mile distance.'

David will be leaving from Brown's Hotel in Tavistock on Saturday June 16 at 10.30am.

'In a nutshell, I will drop down to Plymouth, with a short respite on the ferry, across to Roscoff. From Roscoff I travel diagonally across France towards Switzerland, passing over the Alps and into the top corner of Italy.

'The ride then follows the coast around the top corner of Italy and down to Rome, hopefully before Saturday, June 30.

'Whether or not you donate, you can still follow my daily progress via my Twitter account @wilderider as I will be taking my GoPro head cam for pictures and movies along the way. I am expecting hot weather all the way and it is my first time to Italy.

'I really hope that you can find some time to check out the Just Giving page as all donations — however big or small — are greatly appreciated.

'I will be self-funding for the entire trip to ensure the charity gets all the money donated.'

Anyone who would like to support David in his epic journey can do so by visiting http://www.justgiving.com/david-wilde2012">www.justgiving.com/david-wilde2012

Donations can also be made via text by sending 'DUDE99' to 70070. You will receive a text back confirming the next step and how to donate. This effectively adds your donation to your next mobile phone bill and the full donation goes to the donations page free of charge.

For more information about the charity visit http://www.cdssg.org.uk">www.cdssg.org.uk