A 70-year-old Worcester man is cycling from Land’s End to John o’ Groats to raise money for his grandson’s primary school play area.

Nigel Hedgcock, from St John's, Worcester, will start the challenge at Land’s End on Saturday, August 19 and will finish over a 1000 miles later at John o’ Groats on Sunday, September 3.

The money raised will help pay for improvements to the play area at Clifton-upon-Teme Primary School which includes replacing the old wooden equipment with new metal equipment that can be used by all ages.

Mr Hedgcock says: “I feel if I can achieve this ride and raise some funds for my grandson’s school this will be a massive achievement for me.

“I have never previously competed in a challenge of this magnitude and feel it will be a great milestone to reach.”

“The route will be challenging in particular the sections in Cornwall with many small sharp climbs such as the iconic Princetown on Dartmoor and Cheddar Gorge.

“From here things will be somewhat easier until we have passed through Slaidburn in the Trough of Bowland where the route follows the long arduous climb used by Bradley Wiggins as part of his Olympic training in 2012.”

The challenge, supported by Pedal Nation, will meander up the country on a specifically designed route taking in country lanes and national cycle routes.

Mr Hedgcock will spend over 7 hours a day on the saddle covering an average of 62.5 miles.

At 65, a physio suggested to Mr Hedgcock, a keen walker, that he stopped walking and take up cycling as it put less strain on his knees. It benefited him greatly and as a result he no longer required knee surgery.

Last year, he completed the coast-to-coast cycle ride from Whitehaven to Sunderland covering over 150 miles.

As part of the training, Mr Hedgcock has spent many early mornings in the gym attending spin classes and cycling local hills Ankerdine, Stoney Head and Gough’s Bank as well cycling up to 85 miles most days.

Clifton Primary School Parent Teacher Association have already raised over £2,000 for the equipment which could cost up to £15,000.

The school hopes to encourage the children to use the equipment as part of a normal daily fitness routine both at playtime and during physical education sessions.

For more information on the challenge visit facebook.com/CliftonSchoolEventsPage

To donate contact Charlotte on 07496 394731 or charliemerrick1981@icloud.com