Four intrepid men are setting off on an epic 12-day cycle trek from John o’ Groats in to Land’s End next week.

Father and son Peter, 53, and James Stewart, 26, from Victoria Road, Steve Smith, 37, and Justin Hill, 41, the owner of East Budleigh Garage set off on their 915-mile odyssey on Monday morning.

Each will be raising money for a different charity; The Alzheimer’s Society, The British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK and Dream-A-Way respectively.

They aim to cycle for up to seven hours each day covering 80 miles before finally arriving at Land’s End on July 9 - and each of them are doing it for very different reasons

Peter said: “We are doing it the hard way round from John o’ Groats to Lands End.

“My mum suffered from Alzheimer’s in the final few years of her life and I would like to raise as much money as possible to help support the charity.”

James admitted he had never attempted cycling anything near this kind of distance before – but they won’t be alone as his wife Naomi will be shadowing them in her van.

He said: “Some of the cycling on the road could be a little scary especially the A30.

“But with your help, however great or small we can all together make a positive difference.”

Steve said: “My mum was diagnosed with breast cancer early 2010 and has since made a good recovery.

“I want to try and offer some form of gratitude for what they (surgeons and hospital staff) have given back to my mum and our family, while also helping others through their traumatic times.”

Justin added: “Someone thought it would be a great idea to ride from John o’ Groats to Lands End in 12 days!

“Those who know me understand just how well a bike and I go together.

“Thankfully I have three other mad people joining me.”

You can follow their progress at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/4men4charities, or alternatively you go to at www.twitter.com/4men4charities

• Bicton Gardens will sell raffle tickets ON their behalf at three gigs on July 7, July 21, and August 4 with profits to go to charity.