A ROMSEY man is taking on the iconic challenge of cycling from Lands’ End to John O Groats to raise vital cash for charity.

James Gay, is riding in the Deloitte Ride Across Britain which see participants tackle the 969-mile ride in just nine days.

The 48-year-old is undertaking the challenge in aid of Kick4Life, a charity started by two Southampton brothers operating in Lesotho, southern Africa.

The country has one of the highest HIV infection rates in the world and charity aims to support those affected through sport, counselling, HIV testing and providing a route to employment through a social enterprise.

“The training for this ride has been incredibly tough,” James said.

“Since I signed up last year I have completed over 3,000 training miles with countless early morning starts but I am really looking forward to seeing the country from bottom to top. We will be averaging over 100 miles a day with the longest being about 130 miles on day five.

“This is a ride on all cyclist’s bucket lists and is an amazing challenge both physically and mentally and I’m just keeping my fingers crossed that the weather is kind to us. I visited Lesotho in 2014 and know how much people there need help so that will be great motivation when the going gets tough.”

James sets off from Lands’ End on September 9 and can be sponsored by visiting: justgiving.com/fundraising/james-gay2.