A ROMSEY man is getting ready for a 1,100-mile cycle to raise money for Cancer Research.

Andy O'Keeffe, branch manager at the Waitrose store in Chandler's Ford, is joining two other branch managers from across the country to raise thousands with two of the team being affected by the disease.

Andy, now 52, was diagnosed with cancer aged just 20. He is joining fellow managers Ian Burdekin and Rhys Evans in taking on the challenge from Lands End to John O'Groats.

The trio have already raised more than £2,500, nearing the £3,000 goal they had set themselves.

Andy said: "Ian did the route ten years ago after having a family member diagnosed with cancer, and now ten years later his brother has been diagnosed.

"It prompted him to want to do it again, and we have both been working for Waitrose for more than 30 years, so collectively we all wanted to raise some money.

"Rhys is a real Iron Man, he is the fit one. I have had to spend about a year training for it! I'm using all the smart gear and on average, I'm hitting about 85 to 90 miles a day."

The trio set off on May 11, and have given themselves just under two weeks to complete the trek.

They will be staying with friends, in bed and breakfast, and even camping throughout their destinations.

Asked why they had focussed on a total of £3,000, Andy said they felt £1,000 each for the cause was a realistic target.

Andy added: "We all have so much respect for everyone who works at Cancer Research and what they do.

"We are hoping our money makes a bit of a difference, and we couldn't think of any better cause."

The team leave on May 11 and have given themselves between 12 and 13 days to finish.

To donate, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/andy-o-keeffe.