A MAN from Westbrook is taking to the saddle to raise cash for a charity close to his heart.

Mark Pepper will set off from Warrington on Sunday to cycle all the way down to Cornwall.

He dedicated himself to the task to raise cash for MacMillan Cancer Care after his father, Arthur, died of the disease in January, aged 72.

The ride has been a long-term ambition of Mark's.

"It's something I've always been meaning to do," he said, "but it was my dad dying that has really spurred me on.

"The staff at MacMillan did such a wonderful job caring for him that I felt I had to repay them. It's also my 40th birthday on the day I finish the race so it seems very fitting to do it now.

"So far I have managed to raise about £600. I've been training each week but I am going to feel the real pain of it when I start on Sunday."

Mark lives with wife Amanda in Shipton Close. She is taking a week's holiday to follow him and the couple will be stopping off at bed and breakfasts along the way.

Anyone interested in supporting Mark's cause can call 01928 739977.

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