A West Devon born cyclist is about to embark on a mammoth challenge riding across the UK to raise funds for a Parkinson's support group.

Darren Evans, originally from Tavistock but currently living in Switzerland, undertook to cycle 901 miles in eight days from John O'Groats to Lands End on Saturday.

Darren, whose father has Parkinson's, is raising funds to support the new Parkinson's UK group which meets at the Anchorage Centre in Tavistock on the last Tuesday of every month. So far his challenge has already raised more than £850 for the group.

Darren's mother Val said: 'Darren's father and I are really proud of him and know that the members of Tavistock's Parkinson's UK group are extremely grateful.

'Darren is funding the entire trip himself so every penny donated will be used to establish Tavistock's Parkinson's UK group and give much needed support to local people with Parkinson's.'

Jean Almond, regional fundraiser at Parkinson's UK, said: 'Darren has been planning this cycle for months and so it will be very exciting for him, his family and the members of Parkinson's UK on Saturday. Parkinson's UK is totally dependant on donations and so without the wonderful support that we get from people like Darren we wouldn't be able to have local support groups like the one in Tavistock to help local people and their families.'

To sponsor Darren or to check on his progress throughout his trip visit http://www.darrensport.wordpress.com">www.darrensport.wordpress.com

l To find out more about the group visit http://www.parkinsons.org.uk/southwest">www.parkinsons.org.uk/southwest or for information and support contact the Parkinson's UK free confidential helpline on 0808 8000303 or visit http://www.parkinsons.org.uk ">www.parkinsons.org.uk ;