A FORMER soldier and his faithful dog plan to take on a 280-mile cycling challenge to raise money for five charities.

Peter Wright, 52, will begin the gruelling five-day journey at the Durham Light Infantry (DLI) Museum and finish at the Gloucester Regimental Museum, all with his 15-year-old Jack Russell terrier Tara riding in a trailer attached to the rear of his bike.

Mr Wright, who served in the Territorial Army for four years, hopes to raise £5,000 for the Royal Hospital Chelsea, Macmillan Nurses, the British Heart Foundation, Blind Veterans UK and Blue Cross dog re-homing centres.

His dedication to supporting high quality healthcare for both veterans and the general public comes from personal experience - his late mother suffered from heart problems and cancer.

Mr Wright, from Nettlesworth, County Durham, said: “I firmly believe charity begins at home. If we spent more money on our own charities I think the whole country would be better off.”

While Mr Wright hopes to continue raising money for charity, the cycling challenge is likely to be one of Tara’s last adventures, as she has a tumour on her stomach that cannot be treated.

Mr Wright said: “The tumour is cancerous and will kill her eventually, but at the moment she runs around and eats quite happily.

“I’ve had her since she was a pup and she’s never been left alone in her life. That’s why she’s coming with me.”

If you are interested in sponsoring Mr Wright and Tara, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/peterwright14. Donations can be made via credit card or PayPal.