A CINDERFORD firefighter is cycling from John O Groats to Lands End.

Dale Critchley, aged 34, is currently serving with the London Fire Brigade and is taking on the 1,000-mile challenge in aid of Cancer Research UK on Tuesday July 28th.

Dale's friend, Paul Weaver will follow his journey from Scotland to Cornwall in a van donated by Lydney Van Hire.

He said: "With myself as an example it took someone close to me to realise how destructive cancer is. Looking after an elderly, yet more able, neighbour of mine I watched his face in the hospital drop to the floor when he was told his cancer was inoperable. I watched his strong character deteriorate along with his health. He sadly lost his life from secondary problems from carrying the disease.

"On the reverse of that sad ending there are also success stories. When not one but two work colleagues also suffered the same hammer blow and came through it on the right side it made me think long and hard.

"It will get you either directly affect your body or indirectly attack someone close to you. Let's not wait for it to come to us, please dig deep and think something is better than nothing. I will ride at least 900 miles from John O Groats to Lands End in memory of people and for the celebration of the people who survive every day from this destructive disease.

"As we are using a van, kindly donated by Lydney Van Hire, any donations towards fuel will be greatly received. We will be sleeping in it while completing the challenge."

Any donations can be made by visiting www. justgiving.com/Dale-Critchley-Critchfit