A DEDICATED cyclist hopes to set a new world record with a gruelling challenge to help the hospice which cares for his friend’s son.

Mike Charlton not only plans to climb the highest peaks in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales, but also cycle the 960 miles between them, all inside 128 hours.

The 43-year-old, from Sherburn Village, near Durham, is part of an 18-man team which will set off on the challenge on Sunday (June 7).

The challenge will raise money for St Oswald’s Hospice, in Gosforth, which cares for his friend’s three-year-old son Aaron Armstrong, born with the rare genetic disorder Chromosonal 8P Deletion.

Mr Charlton, who works in the pharmaceutical industry, cycles hundreds of miles every week and coaches children in the sport across the North-east.

He hopes to raise £2,000 with the challenge, which will begin in Dublin and end at Snowdon, with climbs of Carrauntoohil, Slieve Donard, Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike in between along with an average 125-mile cycle ride each day.

Mike’s sons Dan, 15 and Josh, 12 are going to cycle the last 80 miles with the team, before their mum Nicola Charlton joins them at Snowdon, which the team will climb together with their families.

Mr Charlton said: “My friends Alan and Elaine talk about how they rely so heavily on the amazing work and support St Oswald’s give to Aaron – I knew immediately that I wanted to do the challenge for them.

“I’ve cycled all my life and ride a lot with my sons who compete regularly, so I am reasonably confident when it comes to the cycling, it’s the mountains and lack of sleep which are my main concern.

“I’ve been training for the challenge 20 hours a week around work.

“It’ll be relentless, but I’m determined to keep going in the hope that by doing something slightly stupid people will support the incredible work of the hospice by doing something simple like donating a few pounds“.

To donate to Mike’s fundraising page, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/Mike-Charlton4/