A BAND of cyclists are embarking on a gruelling 500-mile trip in a bid to raise thousands of pounds for a charity which helped support a desperately-ill young man.

Andrea Howes will join Shane Snowden, James Stanhope-Smith and Katherine Hipperson on a marathon cycle ride from Lands End to Great Yarmouth in support of The Lymphoma Association.

The four cyclists, who all work for Edward Worlledge Community Junior School in Yarmouth, chose the charity after witnessing the support they provided to James’s brother Jonno, 22, who is recovering from Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

The cyclists will depart on their cross-country adventure on Sunday, July 31; but, in the meantime, they have set themselves the target of raising more than �2,000 for the charity.

The 38-year-old teaching assistant said: “We have been cycling in all weathers because we just do not know what it is going to be like on the trip.

“We have been doing 20 to 30 miles at a time – sometimes getting lost on the way – but it is all good fun.

“However, the trip is being taken very seriously as well. We have all invested in shiny new bikes, and are really eager to get out there and go now. Cornwall is going to be one of our biggest challenges because that area of the country is quite hilly; but once we get through that we should be well on our way.”

The aim of the nine-day trip is to complete up to 60 miles a day and 70 miles on the last day, whilst staying in bed and breakfasts.

They will be accompanied on the road by James Stanhope-Smith’s dad Don, who will drive close by and provide any roadside support needed.

Miss Howes said that they were all inspired to help Jonno Stanhope-Smith, whose family comes from Caister, after learning about his condition.

She added: “James’s brother was diagnosed last year and because the Lymphoma Association have been so brilliant in supporting him, we felt we wanted to give something back in return.”

The riders have already raised well over �1,000 for the charity.

If you would like to donate money to help support the cyclists on their journey and the association visit www.justgiving.com/Worlledge-Challenge2011