A team of Ryedale men are taking on a two-day endurance challenge to raise funds for two cancer charities.

Dave Twaddle, Mike Richmond, Adam Simpson and Grant Bulmer – will run the 100km from Pickering to Marsett in the Yorkshire Dales on Friday before jumping straight into the saddle the next day to ride back along a 100 mile route.

Their ride will end at Pickering Recreation Club, who are generously putting on a function that evening which will raise more funds.

The team were inspired to take on the challenge after close family and friends were affected by cancer.

Dave lost his wife Marie to the disease late in 2020 and Adam’s friend Dave Ludlow is currently fighting the illness.

The team have set themselves a target of raising £6,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support and Cancer Research UK

He said: “When Adam asked if I would like to be part of a charity run and bike ride for a charity of Marie's choice, how could I not be part of it?

“It’s not just a run though – it‘s an insane 100km in a day but if it was easy it wouldn't be a challenge. And then on day two there’s 100 miles on a bike.”

Dave added: “The one thing I do know is that through Marie's battle with cancer she never gave up and was an amazing strong woman, wife and best friend.

“It’s not going to easy but we won’t be giving up either.”

Pickering bike store Big Bear Bikes, where Mike is Senior Sales Member and a friend of Dave, is getting behind the team and will be joining them. The business is also donating £1,000.

Mike said: “We’ve all come together through Dave and Adam, and we’re determined to complete the challenge and hit the £6,000 target.

“We’re hoping that people will dig deep and sponsor our team and the crucial work that Macmillan Cancer Support and Cancer Research UK do to help people who are suffering with and their families.”

Pickering Recreation Club will be the host at the finishing line, on Saturday, June 26 where there will be a barbecue. The team are expected back at approximately 6pm.

If you would like to donate, visit team’s JustGiving page at https://www.justgiving.com/team/tonne-up-for-cancer