GAME of Thrones actor Enzo Cilenti will pass through Kendal next Wednesday as he undertakes an epic cycling challenge with his dad.

Enzo is attempting the 980-mile journey on a tandem with his dad Pietro, who has Parkinson's, a progressive neurological condition for which there is currently no cure.

Enzo is best known for his work in Game of Thrones, Guardians of the Galaxy, the Theory of Everything, Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, and Bridget Jones’s Baby. He is also starring in the BBC’s forthcoming adaptation of Les Misérables.

The father and son cycle is part of the Deloitte Ride Across Britain challenge and they have already raised £20,000 for the charity Parkinson’s UK’s pioneering research to find a cure and for its support services for the 145,000 people living with the condition, which includes 1,340 people in Cumbria.

This is the second ultra-cycling challenge Enzo and his dad have embarked on for the charity. In 2015 they completed the legendary Mont Ventoux on a tandem. Since then Pietro’s condition has progressed and sadly this new challenge is the last that they are able to do together.

They will finish the Cumbria leg of their ride at Penrith when they will take a well-earned rest before heading off on the next leg of their journey to Edinburgh.

Parkinson’s UK’s work in Cumbria includes around five local groups offering community support for those affected by the condition, as well as two local advisers who provide emotional and practical support for those in need.

Enzo said: “Dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2012 like his grandfather and mother before him. It’s a crippling neurological condition and there’s still no cure. That’s why we’re taking part in the Ride Across Britain - to raise money for Parkinson’s UK’s research work.

“Dad wasn’t going to sit around and let his condition get worse. Exercise is vital for improving the symptoms for people with Parkinson’s, so when he was diagnosed he got back on his bike and so did I. This challenge will be our hardest yet and is the equivalent of climbing two Mount Everests.”

Enzo’s dad Pietro said: “Life throws many difficulties at us and from adversity we must seek opportunity. We must push for better treatments to halt the progress of this horrible condition and find a cure.

“This is going to be my last challenge. I will give my all.”

To support Enzo and his dad with their challenge you can donate to their Virgin Money Giving page: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/PeterandEnzoCilentiTeamTandem

Abby Robinson, Regional Fundraiser for Parkinson’s UK in Cumbria, said: “We’re so grateful to our amazing fundraisers like Enzo and his dad, whose challenges help us keep our vital support services and research programmes going. The money raised through their impressive cycle will go towards helping the 1,340 people in Cumbria living with Parkinson’s.

"Without support like Enzo and Pietro’s, nothing we do would be possible. We wish them the best of luck with their cycle.”