A NORTH Tawton resident will take part in a gruelling bike ride next month, when he cycles 900 miles for a charity close to his heart.

Dennis Edwards, along with four other cyclists aged between 25 and 35, will cycle from John O' Groats to Land's End to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis.

Mr Edwards (pictured right) said the challenge meant a lot to the people close to him, as well as himself.

He said: 'My son's partner's best friend lost her life to this illness last year at the age of 27 and I was asked to join the group to help support the charity.

'Jenny, my wife, who also passed away last year, bought me a bike for my 60th birthday two years ago and although the money raised will go to Cystic Fibrosis, I personally shall also be riding it in her memory.'

Mr Edwards said he had been training in the run-up to the ride.

He added: 'Prior to training for this mammoth event, I have mainly cycled the one mile round trip to the post office to get a paper— if it isn't raining.

'The training is hard and the ride will be tough for an old fella like me.'

The money raised will help support over 8,500 children and adults in the UK suffering from Cystic Fibrosis and will go towards essential research, as well as the best treatment for those living with the disease.

Mr Edwards added: 'Most importantly, the most recent developments in gene therapy and research into an eventual cure can only take place if people give generously to the trust. '

The team will set out from Scotland on Wednesday, August 4 and will reach Land's End 15 days later on Wednesday, August 18.

Anyone who wants to sponsor Dennis can visit his just giving page at http://www.justgiving.com/Dennis-Edwards">http://www.justgiving.com/Dennis-Edwards