AN intrepid duo from Exeter are cycling 1000 miles to raise vital funds for a local cancer charity. They will be pedalling from John O’Groats to Lands End followed by a 100 mile charity bike ride.

Hayley Mudge, a solicitor with Stephens Scown LLP in Exeter and her partner Jonathan Hawkins set off on Sunday, 15 June from John O’Groats and are raising money for FORCE cancer charity.

They plan to cycle around 80 miles per day, clocking up 900 miles over 12 days and travelling the length of the country from John O’Groats to Lands End. With just two days rest they will then take part in ‘the Nello’ Century Cycle Challenge on 29 June. This challenging 100 mile cycle, which starts in Topsham, is FORCE Cancer Charity’s biggest fundraising event of the year.

FORCE Cancer Charity has played a vital role in cancer services in Exeter for 26 years, financing improvements in patient care through research, the purchase of equipment and its information and support centre in the grounds of the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.

Naomi Cole, fundraiser for FORCE Cancer Charity said: “We are incredibly grateful to Hayley and Jonathan for taking on such an amazing challenge on behalf of FORCE, and we’d also like to thank all of their friends and family - as well as the staff at Stephens Scown for the support that they’ve already shown by donating in excess of £350 to FORCE.

“I imagine that most people who have just completed a 12 day cycle from John O’Groats to Land’s End would be found relaxing two days afterwards (and most-deservedly), but we are delighted that Hayley and Jonathan will be joining us (and 1500 other cyclists) for ‘The Nello’ on June 29th.”

Hayley, who is a solicitor in the commercial property department at Stephens Scown, said: “Jonathan and I are keen cyclists and wanted to set ourselves a real challenge this year. The obvious charity for us to support was FORCE Cancer Charity, as they do such fantastic work supporting cancer patients and their families. I’m sure there will be many tough moments on our challenge, but thinking about the money we are raising and how crucial it is will help us through.”

Robert Camp, managing partner of Stephens Scown said: “We are very proud of Hayley for undertaking this challenge in aid of such a fantastic local charity. We wish her and Jonathan all the best.”

Hayley and Jonathan have already raised over £350 for FORCE Cancer Charity through donations from friends and family and a cake sale which Hayley ran at Stephens Scown’s offices in Exeter. Donations can still be made at the following link: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=end2end2014&isTeam=true For more information on FORCE Cancer Charity visit www.forcecancercharity.co.uk Stephens Scown has over 40 partners and 250 staff across its offices in Exeter, Truro and St Austell. For more information visit www.stephens-scown.co.uk