FORMER Black Country fireman Rory Campbell was this week attempting to cycle from John O' Groats to Lands End.

The 53-year-old from Wollaston aims to raise funds for three different cancer charities through his epic end-to-end trip which got underway on Friday June 13.

Rory was invited to join a six strong team from Bridgnorth who regularly take part in the classic ride. But this year's attempt will prove more pertinent as Rory is replacing one of the regulars who has been forced to drop out after being diagnosed with cancer himself.

Rory explained: "I was talked into taking part by one of my friends in Bewdley Mountaineering Club who is also doing the ride.

"It's the eighth time they've taken part in this challenge. We plan to cover 1,014 miles in 14 days."

Rory is used to a challenge though and once walked 1,980 miles coast to coast from St Bede's to Robin Hood's Bay in just three days but he insists: "This is the biggest challenge I've taken on so far."

He hopes taking part in the ride will help to raise more than £1,000 for Breakthrough Breast Cancer, Prostate Cancer UK and Bowel Cancer UK.

Anyone wishing to sponsor him can do so via his online charity pages www.justgiving.com/Rory-Campbell6 for Breakthrough Breast Cancer and www.justgiving.com/Rory-Campbell7 for Prostate Cancer UK.