A SPORTS fan is to cycle nearly 1,000 miles between 18 cricket grounds for charity.

Mark Crowther will pedal from Durham County Cricket Club at Chester-le-Street to The Oval, the London home of Surrey County Cricket Club, visiting 18 grounds along the way, over 16 days from late July. He will cover 975 miles.

Mr Crowther, of Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, is raising money for children’s cancer charities CLIC Sargent and Kids Cancer Charity.

The 13-year-old daughter of some of his friends died of a rare cancer in 2007.

“Standing by whilst my friends were immersed into such tragic circumstances was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to endure, but I was in awe of the level of support provided by CLIC Sargent and Kids Cancer Charity,” Mr Crowther said.

“They inspired me to embark on this journey and I’m determined to raise as much as I can.”

To sponsor Mr Crowther, visit cricketcyclechallenge18.co.uk

Mr Crowther’s employer, Car Shop, will collect cricket memorabilia at each of his stops to raise further funds.