A KENDAL resident will be cycling a mammoth 112 miles across the Lake District, all in aid of charity.

Peter Bascombe, whose mother was diagnosed with bowel cancer last year, will be attempting to complete the Fred Whitton Challenge to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The challenge will see 45-year-old Peter completing around 13,000ft of climbing on his road bike as he makes his way though the Lake District passes.

Although Peter is a keen mountain biker, he had never ridden a road bike before - which perhaps explains why he made the decision to enter the challenge whilst in the The Eagle & Child pub in Staveley.

In fact, as the Fred Whitton Challenge only chooses its participants by a lottery system, Peter was surprised to get a place at all.

However, he said that given how important the work that Macmillan does for both his mum and for so many others, he felt he had to do something.

"I decided I needed to do something last year because my mum was going through chemo over Christmas time," he said. "It's quite pertinent when family are receiving treatment for cancer at Christmas."

So far, Peter said, he has been trying to do about 100 miles of cycling a week but has been suffering with 'dodgy knees' after his rides.

"I didn't think it'd be that different to riding a mountain bike," he said. "But on a mountain bike it's quite comfortable. It's bloomin' uncomfortable on a road bike and training at this time of year, it's cold and wet.

"Training with friends is good - at least you can be grumpy together!"

Despite the difficulties that the training is bringing, his hard work is paying off, having already smashed his original £500 fundraising target.

Peter described his mum as 'on the road to recovery', and she will find out whether or not she is in remission on May 8 - the same day that he undertakes the cycling challenge.

We all know someone who has been affected by cancer in one form or another," Peter said. "If nothing else it puts life into perspective. It also reiterates how important support is, particularly the support given by Macmillan."

You can show your support for Peter's cause by donating at www.justgiving.com/Peter-Bascombe2