AN Okehampton man who has raised thousands of pounds for Exeter Leukaemia Fund with a charity ball is now in training for an epic cycling challenge to raise even more for the charity.

Dave Mugliston will cycle from John O'Groats to Lands' End from Saturday, September 7 to Friday, September 13, taking on 985 miles and 18,879 metres of climbing in just one week.

He will be part of an eight-man cycle team, with two support drivers. Charity cyclist Dr Tim Watson and support driver Trevor Cousins are also from Okehampton.

Dave said: 'The idea was a mad moment from me back in September last year, following both mine and Tim's first triathlons. I suggested would he like to take on the End to End challenge. After much organisation we have been joined by a number of friends and work colleagues from the Basingstoke area, and also one gentleman from Holland.

'The training has been tough at times, and myself and Tim have certainly encountered all weathers, including snow storms over Dartmoor and in recent weeks melting road surfaces between Exeter and Okehampton.

'Hopefully, the weather will hold up fair for September ready for the big challenge, which will see us riding on average 140 miles per day, and on the second day, some 162 from Inverness to Dumbarton.'

Dave saw the challenge as a chance to raise money for charity— the son of support rider Trevor Cousins and Dave's brother-in-law Neal Cousins died 16 years ago following a fight against leukaemia, and ELF is a charity close to the heart of everyone in the family.

As part of the fundraising, Dave and his wife Fiona organised a summer ball and auction held at Okehampton Rugby Club on Saturday, July 13, raising just over £5,500.

Since then fundraising has continued by Dave and Tim, and the pair are planning to make a presentation to ELF on September 12 as they pass through Okehampton on their challenge.

Dave and Fiona expressed thanks to everyone who supported the summer ball, including those who gave prizes and attended. Dave also expressed thanks to Trevor Cousins, who will be driving the support vehicle during the adventure.

If you would like to donate money to the cause, contact Dave Mugliston on [email protected]">[email protected] or 07766 021637 or give via http://www.justgiving.com/Tim-Watson6">www.justgiving.com/Tim-Watson6