FOUR friends are to attempt a gruelling cycle ride to raise money for charity.

The quartet will take on the 84-mile Etape Pennines ride through County Durham’s dales on Sunday (Oct 6) to raise much-needed funds for Parkinson’s UK.

Paul Bainbridge, 32, from Durham City and friends Victor Castro Quiroga, 42, from Lanchester, Tim Johnstone, 39, from Chorley and Steve Handley, 49, from Northwich will take on the challenge which includes a total ascent of 2,631 metres - the equivalent of scaling Ben Nevis twice.

The ride starts from Barnard Castle Golf Club at 7.25am.

The team will be cycling for his future father-in-law, Tony Willmore, 59, who is living with Parkinson’s and family friend Doreen Smith who also has the condition. They will also be cycling in memory of family friend, Wilf Box, who had Parkinson’s and died last month.

Mr Bainbridge said: "I have seen first-hand how Parkinson’s affects people and their families and wanted to do something positive to raise funds to find a cure.

"I chose this event as it is one of the most challenging cycling events in the UK. I’m looking forward to challenging myself by participating in such a gruelling event, which can be made infinitely worse if the weather is poor.

"For the next 12 months the team plans to take part in at least five big cycling challenges to raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s UK along the way.

"Due to work commitments not every rider will make every event, but we will try to take part in as many events as possible and I will definitely cycle in all of them."

The other cycling events the friends will participate in include The Coast to Coast in a day, Ride London to Surrey 100 as well as next year’s Etape Pennines, Wild Wales and London to Paris events.

To sponsor the team, visit virginmoneygiving.com/Paul Bainbridge1.