An Alsager man is pedalling the length of Britain and sleeping in a tent – to raise money for Cancer Research.  

Retired electrical engineering manager, Simon Perry, sets off on his epic ride today (Friday) and he will be joined by fellow cyclists from the town's Harlequin Club.  

The 66-year-old is one of 800 cyclists taking part in the 'Ride Across Britain', covering 980 miles in nine consecutive days. 

Simon before he set off on his epic ride. (Photo: Nub News)

And Simon, who is a member of Harlequins Cycling Club, took up the pursuit seriously after retiring and has never looked back. 

"It's such a great thing to do and gets you out into the countryside. I've done several long practice rides for this," said Simon of The Fairway in Alsager. 

"I cycle around twice a week usually and have cycled to Chatsworth House in Derbyshire and back in a day. 

"I've also cycled to Gloucestershire and back. We'll be sleeping in tents along the way, camping a various places including racecourses. They'll be food stations along the way. 

Simon is a regular cyclist. (Photo: Simon Perry)

"It's a well organised event. We're catching the train down to Penzance and starting at Land's End.  

"We finish at John o'Groats then will be getting a night train back to Crewe from Inverness. 

"I wanted to do this for Cancer Research as everyone has a story to tell about someone they know who has had cancer." 

Simon took up cycling regularly when he retired from work. (Photo: Simon Perry)

Simon has set up a page to donate funds to and has been helped in his fundraising bid by wife Kym who organised various events from a pub quiz to a raffle to raise funds for Cancer Research. 

"People have been so generous with their donations and I'm so grateful for the support," he said.

The total currently stands at around  £4,325.00 and donations can be made here  

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