INTREPID Tyron Potts was this week nearing the end of his epic fundraising cycle from Lands End to John O'Groats.

The 28-year-old, who works for Garvins in Rigby Lane, Bromsgrove, set off with four friends on July 1 on the 1,000-mile cycle ride - which he hopes will rake in the pounds for Cancer Research UK and the Meningitis Research Foundation.

So far he and his team-mates - Helen Smith, Martin Hunter, Douglas Hogg and Matthew Claisse - have raised more than £2,600 for the charities that are close to their hearts, but they are hoping to boost the total even further by the end of the trip.

The team are expecting to arrive in John O'Groats this Saturday.

Tyron, who lives in Stourbridge, said: "Friends, colleagues and complete strangers have been very generous and I hope other people in the town will sponsor me if they can. Even a few pounds will make a huge difference and mean the Meningitis Research Foundation and Cancer Research UK can continue their invaluable work."

The Somerset-born consultant decided to raise funds for the two charities as his sister survived meningitis many years ago and his grandfather died from bowel cancer earlier this year.

Taking part in the cross country stunt has also been a childhood dream.

"I've been inspired to complete this ride ever since my dad did the same thing about 17 years ago, so when some friends discussed the possibility it was impossible to resist the challenge," he said.

To sponsor Tyron and the team visit their website www.awesomelejog.blogspot.com