AS names for charity events go, Fat Lads on Bikes leaves little to the imagination.

The man behind the idea, Neal Bullock, called into Ward 14 of James Cook University Hospital to launch the fundraiser today (Friday, October 10).

The 41-year-old chef was moved into action when his aunty, Linda Auckland, was treated for breast cancer at the Middlesbrough hospital.

"After the great care and treatment that my aunty received at the hospital, I thought the least I can do is raise some money for the unit," said the offshore catering manager.

"We all love Aunty Linda and I just thought all of the nurses and staff deserved our support as she wouldn't be here with us now if it wasn't for them.

"After working as a chef for years I could do with getting into shape, so decided to combine the two and come up with the Fat Lads on Bikes idea. I decided to get my cousin Glenn, Linda's son, involved as he needs to shed a few pounds as well."

Originally. the pair were looking to do the Coast to Coast bike ride to raise money for the hospital ward and they soon persuaded Glenn's friend Paul Sykes to get involved.

Mr Bullock added: "We have been getting out training on our bikes and by the time the event comes around next year we should be in good shape to do it. I certainly hope so as I've signed the three of us to the Great North Run a fortnight after we have done the Coast to Coast."

Support for the trio, who all live in Middlesbrough, is already growing and they are arranging several other fundraising projects that will take place next year, including a golf day and a bubble football event.

He said: "The Fat Lads on Bikes will continue to grow and anyone that would like to join us is more than welcome to, we see this as a platform to continue to provide much needed funds to a great cause and we will continue to do so in the future, long after the 2015 challenges so please get in touch if you would like to get involved or just sponsor us."

For further information visit www.justgiving.com/2-Fat-Lads-on-Bikes.