A RYEDALE businessman is joining a celebrity friend on a charity cycle challenge.

Felix Stewart has been invited to take part in the Dallaglio Cycle Slam by former England rugby captain and world cup winner, Lawrence Dallaglio.

The 2,800km cycle challenge from Rome to Murrayfield in Scotland takes in all the Six Nation stadia en route.

Felix, who runs internet company Marche Holiday Homes in Sheriff Hutton, was educated at Ampleforth College with Lawrence.

“I’m really looking forward to the challenge and spending a bit of time in the saddle with some old mates,” Felix said.

“Most importantly, I’m hoping that as a group we can reach our target of £1 million for some really deserving causes.”

The benefit ride for six UK charities will take place in February and March next year and is due to be documented by the BBC.

Felix added: “Both Lawrence and I have lost loved ones to cancer, so Cancer Research UK was an obvious charity to back, and we are both in awe and admiration of the sacrifices our soldiers are making everyday in Afghanistan and elsewhere so supporting Help 4 Heroes was a must.”

Felix is also offering a week’s holiday at his six-bedroom Italian villa as a prize to the winner of a charity raffle.

The draw will be made at the end of January with the winner having the opportunity to receive their prize from Lawrence Dallaglio at a special dinner.

Anyone who would like to enter the raffle or sponsor Felix can do so at www.justgiving.com/Felix-Stewart or by contacting him at felix.stewart@marcheholidayhomes.co.uk