A hardy fundraiser is preparing to set off on a mammoth cycling feat – just three months after he first took to the saddle.

John Brenan set off from Whitehaven yesterday (Friday) to cycle 400 miles to raise money for injured servicemen.

The keen runner only started cycling three months ago to prepare for the challenge, which he hopes to complete by Wednesday, travelling around 80 miles a day.

He is raising cash for Help for Heroes and the Headley Court rehabilitation centre in Epsom, Surrey, where he will finish his ride.

To make it even tougher, he will sleep under canvas and carry all of his equipment along the way, including tent, food, drink and clothes.

Mr Brenan, who lives in Catherine Street, said: “I’ve been preparing by cycling for the past few weeks. I’ve been up to Scotland and done the Sea to Sea cycle route.

“One of my friends is serving in the military and some of his friends were blown up in Afghanistan three years ago. My daughter, Kim, is a physio rehab instructor at Headley Court as well as a reserve medic in the army.”

While putting in miles on his bike a couple of weeks ago, looking for a place to camp in the Silloth area, the owner of Stanwix Park at Silloth, Roland Stanwix, pulled over in his car to offer assistance.

He called his holiday park and told them to provide a pitch free of charge, as well as free food.

He has also donated six free holiday vouchers to be given to injured soldiers.

To make an online donation to Help for Heroes go to JustGiving.com and search for John Brenan. Alternatively, you can send donations for Headley Court Military Hospital to John Brenan, 16 Catherine Street, Whitehaven, CA28 7PA.