Cycling for charity

Andrew and Sally Pope, of Gillsmans Drive, will both tackle the 54-mile journey on June 17, along with 27,000 other cyclists.

They are hoping to raise money for the British Heart Foundation, a charity with special relevance to the couple.

Sally's father suffered a heat attack and thankfully recovered but her grandfather died from heart problems.

After months or preparation the pair are determined to finish the notoriously difficult course.

Sally, 34, said: "We are both really looking forward to it.

"I did a power walk marathon at night and that was certainly an experience, hopefully this will be just as good.

"We have both got new bikes and have been out cycling together practising for the big day. I have also been doing a lot of swimming and running and we have set up a friends' exercise bike in our garage so we can train even when the weather is not nice.

"It should be fun but I am slightly apprehensive about Beacon Hill which is near the end of the 54 miles and apparently the hardest section."

Andrew, 38, works for Barclays while Sally, 34, works part-time for Hastings Lifeline. Both have been busy collecting sponsorship from friends, family and colleagues.

To sponsor the pair email them at [email protected].