TWO groups of cyclists have embarked on a coast-to-coast challenge to raise cash in memory of a former Westmorland Gazette advertising administrator who lost his battle with cancer.

The bid - inspired by Allan Gaunt, who died in July last year, aged 57 - involves two separate teams of men and women cycling 140 miles from Whitehaven to Tynemouth.

The men have already completed their challenge and the women plan to follow in their cycle tracks on May 28.

Allan’s widow Bev, who is also taking part, said two charities - St John’s Hospice, Lancaster, and Cancer Research UK - would benefit from any cash raised. To donate visit www.justgiving.com/gaunt-stjohnshospice or www.justgiving.com/gaunt-CancerResearch.