A FORMER Tavistock rugby player has celebrated his 40th birthday with a gruelling 900-mile cycle from John O'Groats to Land's End.

Steve Rush, who played for Tavistock Rugby Club's first team, started the solo ride last Thursday with a support crew of his parents, Jackie and Alan, following by car. He set himself the task of completing the challenge in nine days and is due to arrive in Land's End on Sunday (June 1).

Steve undertook the challenge to raise money for Dreamflight, a charity which arranges once in a lifetime trips to Disneyland in Orlando for children who are seriously ill or have severe disabilities.

On his Just Giving fundraising webpage, Steve said: 'After taking my two children to Euro-Disney last year and watching them have an amazing time, I thought that it would be fantastic to try to give another child, whose life isn't always straightforward, the opportunity to have a similar experience.'

Anyone who would like to support Steve and give a donation can visit http://www.justgiving.com/Steve-Rush">www.justgiving.com/Steve-Rush

THE owner of a Tavistock hearing and mobility shop is covering the length of the country by bike in a John O'Groats to Land's End challenge.

Audiologist Alistair Kinsey (pictured right), 39, of Alistair Kinsey Hearing and Mobility in Pym Street, set off for the eight-day challenge last Thursday and is raising money for Plymouth Deaf Children's Society (PDCS).

Employees from hearing technology company Starkey Laboratories, who are sponsoring the ride, joined him on day five as he passed close to their headquarters in Cheshire.

Alistair has four children, one of whom has permanent hearing loss in one ear and has received exceptional support from PDCS.

Alistair said: 'People may think that my wife, who is a nurse, and I would be the best to deal with such an event.

'Anyone who is a parent and has had to deal with a child that is unwell will confirm what you do in your day-job goes out the window.

'Working within the profession, however, does allow my daughter and family to have access to support that most children would not. This is my way of giving back.'

PDCS is a registered charity which organises social events for hearing impaired children and their families throughout Plymouth and South Hams.

'Giving eight days of my life to raise funds for a charity that does so much, stretching my body and mind seems a small amount to give.

'I like the thought of helping in the community and putting something back into society. It's a nice feeling to know you made a difference if only small, at the end of a day.'

Alistair is due to arrive at Land's End today (Thursday).