AN Exmouth dad from the Colony is in training for a marathon 950-mile bike ride for charity, hoping to cycle between mainland Britain's two furthest points - in just eight days.

AN Exmouth dad from the Colony is in training for a marathon 950-mile bike ride for charity, hoping to cycle between mainland Britain's two furthest points - in just eight days.Luke Nauen, 36, of New Street, Exmouth began his gruelling training regime in October, and will be starting from John O'Groats in Scotland on Good Friday, April 10, hoping to finish the journey just over a week later.He hopes to raise money to aid research into ataxia, the name for a range of conditions associated with the loss of coordinated bodily movements which can result in unsteadiness and clumsiness and even affect vision, hearing and speech.Luke works for an eco-friendly construction company in Lyme Regis and, because of his family life, has had to fit in training whenever he can.He said: "I've been getting up really early each morning and driving to Sidmouth, leaving my vehicle there and cycling back to Lyme Regis."Then I do the same in the evening, cycle back and pick up my car (a daily 40-mile round trip.)"And on the weekends I cycle about 70 or 80 miles. I have to try and fit in training when I can."He admits he has not done a charity fundraiser before, and explained his motivation: "I have some close friends who last year lost their father to ataxia."He hopes to raise �1,000 for Ataxia UK, adding: I've nearly got that already, the more the better!"The trek, said Luke would be unsupported and he expects to stay in youth hostels en-route."Although I'm doing it on my own, I'm sure I will meet people on the way. It's like doing a marathon every day for eight days. "I'm not so worried about my fitness as I've always kept myself in shape."I'm more worried about sitting on a cycle for 10 hours a day, for eight days. I might take my i-Pod!" l If you want to sponsor Luke go to: justgiving.com/lukenauen.