DAD of two Richard Farrant, from Wrecclesham, will embark on a near 1,000-mile cycle ride from Land’s End to John O’ Groats on September 7 in aid of the Vodafone Foundation.

Richard hopes to complete the ride, alongside 50 colleagues from Vodafone’s London headquarters, in just nine days – equating to a gruelling 100 miles per day, a feat he says “everyone thinks I’m crazy” for attempting.

The local man has been riding “seriously” for the past six or seven years, and completed the RideLondon 100-mile cycle last year – his longest cycle yet.

He has been training hard throughout the Surrey Hills, riding out to the peaks of Box Hill and Leith Hill from his home in Wrecclesham.

Richard also hopes riding in such a large group will help him, with the benefit of a peloton-style draft to tow him up the hills.

The Vodafone Foundation supports local causes in the markets Vodafone operates – specifically focusing on delivering public benefit through the use of mobile technology across the areas of health, education and disaster relief.

Each of the 50 Vodafone riders have a target to raise £3,500 – but they hope to raise £1 million as a group.

To donate to Richard’s cause, visit www.justgiving.com/richard-farrant1.