A BRIXINGTON man suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS) is preparing to take on a challenge of a lifetime and cycle 1000 miles from Lands End to John O'Groats.

A BRIXINGTON man suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS) is preparing to take on a challenge of a lifetime and cycle 1000 miles from Lands End to John O'Groats.Former Exmouth postman Nick Gibbs, 47, of Brooklands Road, was diagnosed as having MS 18 months ago and is often left unable to walk because of his condition.But, on Saturday he will begin the mammoth cycle ride to raise much-needed funds for the MS Society.Also tackling the 1,000-mile bike trek is friend and Exmouth postman Andy Mitchell, also 47, from Withycombe. The pair hope to take just two weeks to complete the challenge - but have set aside a month in case Nick's health fails.Nick, a postman for 25 years, who retired because of ill-health, said: "I have days when I can't even walk. Mostly I can get by. I find cycling easier than walking. It's like having a stroke. It affects the left side of my body, but I find I can compensate for that when I'm cycling."When Andy suggested doing the bike ride to raise money for MS I was initially excited and up for the challenge. "But now as the time is getting closer I'm beginning to realise just how hard this will be for me."I'm always up for a challenge and, even if it takes me a month, I am determined to finish."Postie Andy said: "I wanted to do something for charity and when I heard that Nick had been diagnosed with MS that gave me the idea. I was thinking of walking it to start with, then Nick said he would like to do it too, but he couldn't walk it, so we decided to use pedal power instead. When Nick was diagnosed with MS it was a very difficult and confusing time."You can sponsor Nick by visiting his online fundraising page on www.justgiving.com/nickgibbs