A GROUP of professionals and patients from three Exmouth health centres are pumping up their bike tyres in preparation for the 100km Exmoor Beast cycling challenge.

A GROUP of professionals and patients from three Exmouth health centres are pumping up their bike tyres in preparation for the 100km Exmoor Beast cycling challenge.

Intrepid staff from the Massage Clinic, Exmouth Chiropractic Clinic and Exe Pilates on November1 are raising money for children's cancer charity CLIC Sargent.

The staff are taking up the challenge to back a charity which has helped their friend's family when their world was turned upside down by childhood cancer.

Griffin Howard was six years old when he was diagnosed with leukaemia, and CLIC Sargent has been there for the Howard family, offering clinical, practical and emotional support.

In total seven will be saddling up for the events, with six taking on the 100km race and one in the 100mile challenge, both of which traverse a mixed-terrain route across Exmoor National Park.

Anna Maria Mazzieri, Director of The Massage Clinic in Exmouth said: "We are delighted to be entering a team of brave participants in this year's Exmoor Beast. I am particularly pleased to be raising money for CLIC Sargent, because it is a charity close to my heart.

"We are friends of the Howard family whose son Griffin was diagnosed with leukaemia this year. Griffin's strength and the support he has received from CLIC Sargent inspired the organisers of the Exmoor Beast to raise money for the charity.

"Our team is looking forward to the challenge of taking part in the ride and hope to raise as much money as possible for this worthwhile cause."

Staff at The Massage Clinic are encouraging anyone wishing to sponsor the team of cyclists to visit the clinic on Imperial Road to make a donation to CLIC Sargent.

ENDS