A NORTON man is preparing to take on a mammoth bike ride the length of Britain in tribute to a tragic friend.

Dan Adams, aged 28, of Shenstone Avenue, will cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats – covering 980 miles – in memory of his Stourbridge pal Joe Ridgway, who died after suffering a cardiac arrest in January 2019, aged just 29.

Keen cyclist Dan is hoping to raise £2,500 for charity Cardiac Risk in the Young from his efforts.

He is being backed by the Deloitte Ride Across Britain organisation, which will set up camping facilities for him as he attempts to cover around 110 miles every day.

Dan sets off on September 4 and hopes to finish on September 12 – the day before his 29th birthday.

He had originally intended to take on the task last September, but was forced to delay due to Covid restrictions.

Dan, a quality engineer at Netherton aircraft components manufacturer MJ Sections, said: “I’m hoping, if all goes to plan, I’ll be able to celebrate with a beer in Inverness on my birthday.

“I started cycling regularly in 2016 – I’d decided I was putting on too much weight and began riding my bike to work to get fitter, and found I really enjoyed it.

“I’m hoping £2,500 is a reachable target – it would be great if people were to come forward to support me by donating.”

To donate to Dan’s cause, visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/danrab2020