A RETIRED man from Merton is taking on a mammoth cycling challenge to raise money for the Samaritans Exeter and mid Devon branch.

Michael Bendix, aged 68, otherwise known as 'Merton Mick', is cycling from Land's End to John O'Groats from May 26 with the intention of raising £8,500 for the charity.

Michael retired in 2009 and is using the challenge as a way to keep himself fit.

He said: 'I decided that if nothing else, I should get fit. It was whilst out walking that my achilles tendon decided to go pear-shaped.

'The doctor said it would take about a year to heal, which was a major upset. I took the bike out of the shed, gave it a go, and no pain. I became a cyclist to get fit, but with being retired I felt the need to challenge myself.

'I had worked with the Samaritans as a volunteer in the past, in East Sussex and Devon, so I know that no volunteer receives pay. Every pound raised goes to run the branch.

'Callers to the Samaritans can speak to someone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. At one time in the past I became a caller and found even at 3am, somebody on the phone to listen. It's a life-saver, and that's why it's the Samaritans for me.'

The Samaritans branch for Exeter and mid Devon needs between £35,000 and £40,000 annually to keep running, and the branch is also in need of refurbishment works.

The branch is currently looking at plans to improve access for disabled callers and volunteers, create dedicated areas for new services like text and e-mail support, and improve the centre's training facility, which is currently housed in a small basement room.

Michael has set up a specialist blog so people can follow his endeavours at mertonmick.wordpress.com