INTREPID deputy head David Scriven is set to take on the challenge of a lifetime when he attempts to cycle from Land's End to John O'Groats.

Pedmore Technology College’s deputy has been driven to complete the 970 mile feat to help raise funds for The Cure Parkinson's Trust – a charity close to his heart.

David explained: “I've got three friends, all younger than me, who have been diagnosed with Parkinsons and I think to myself, there but for the grace of god!

The 55-year-old who lives at Blakedown will be accompanied by four friends from across the country on his epic ride, which they are planning to complete within nine days.

He said: “The bike ride itself should be the easy bit. It's the logistics that are proving difficult. Friends have kindly offered us a minibus for the occasion and we've also got a driver.

“We're hoping to cycle over 100 miles a day but at the same time, we all want to be a position where we're still able to walk on day 10.

“We've all got to the stage in life where we've discussed what medical equipment to take with us, to make sure we don't seize up.”

David is no stranger to top class sport. In his younger days, he played rugby for England Under-18s and also featured for Stourbridge, Moseley and Cambridge University. He's also played in France.

In addition, he played cricket for Worcestershire Schools, together with local club sides Pedmore, Hagley and Belbroughton.

He added: “I was three stone lighter in those days and was a dashing young centre. Now I'm just overweight. But cycling has become my passion.

“I cycle to school and back each day as I find it a good way of keeping fit.

“I also enjoy the comradeship that you get being with fellow cyclists and I'm a member of Stourbridge Cycling Club. I missed that comradeship when I stopped playing rugby and cricket.

“I competed in the London Marathon when I was 50 as a sort of birthday present. It was on the bucket-list to do.

“But I've always looked upon Land's End to John O Groats as an iconic ride. It would be nice one day to look back and say that I did that.”

David and his pals embark on July 22 for their daunting ride and anyone who would like to sponsor him can by going to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/david-scriven1.