A WEST Devon man set off from his Lifton home yesterday (Wednesday), bound for the tip of Scotland to begin a charity horse ride from John O'Groats to Land's End.

Farmer Michael Bickell, a veteran of previous sponsored horse rides, is undertaking the trip in aid of Riding for the Disabled, Cancer Research UK and the Meningitis Trust.

The ride starts from John O'Groats this Sunday and will finish five weeks later at Land's End on September 29. Michael will be supported by a back-up team made up of family, friends and colleagues from Lamerton Foxhounds, of which he is chairman.

Michael will be joined on the gruelling ride by Simon Kerslake from Broadclyst, who runs an equestrian supplies business.

The pair are being sponsored to complete the ride, but are also collecting money for the three charities along the route.

The riders return to West Devon on Wednesday, September 25, when they will pass through Whiddon Down on the final leg of the challenge.

The following day, they will be holding a Ride to Remember, starting from Lifton and heading into Cornwall. The two men will meet the mayor of Launceston en route to North Hill and Mill Park, Cardinham.

Michael has covered hundreds of miles and raised thousands of pounds for various charities in the past six years, but riding the length of Britain ranks as the most ambitious challenge yet.

During the challenge, the riders will only allow themselves to take one day off — to join the Countryside Alliance's Liberty and Livelihood March in London, on September 22.

Michael said now all the organisational work has been done he was looking forward actually to getting in the saddle at John O'Groats and beginning the five-week marathon.

The pair say other riders are welcome to join them on the ride in their area. Copies of the dates and route and any further information is available from Michael on 07831 494676.

RIGHT: Mike Bickell ready for his marathon ride in aid of three charities.