A "MOMENT of madness" has resulted in a twofold challenge to raise funds for Cancer Research UK in memory of the late Malvern League chairman Norman Simmons.

Mr Simmons' son-in-law Martin Peters, accompanied by his brother-in-law John Brooks, will cycle 10 miles over the Malvern Hills between British Camp and Hollybush on Sunday, September 10.

Then, if that isn't enough, after a suitable breather he will attempt to pull a two-ton Mercedes Sprinter van halfway across the playing field in Upton-upon-Severn.

He is making the effort in memory of Mr Simmons, who died from cancer in August 2005.

Martin, a 36-year-old plyline van fitter from Tewkesbury, was very close to Norman and held him in high regard.

"When he was being cared for last year the organisations helping him were all short of money," he said. "I decided I would like to do something to repay them. Hopefully, I can raise more than £1,500 through sponsorship and donations."

Martin said he had never done anything like this before and it was a "moment of madness" which saw him agree to it.

"I've been doing lots of cycling to prepare and that is building up my leg muscles in preparation for the truck pull too," he said. The ride will take place in the morning and the van pull in the afternoon. Anyone wishing to support Martin and sponsor him can get in touch on 01684 290014.