Jackie, Liz and Chris are cycling 961 miles from Lands End to John O'Groats over 13 days in September.

We've planned the route ourselves to avoid the worst of the traffic and will be staying at a combination of B&Bs, youth hostels and friends' houses along the way.

For support, our parents have kindly agreed to take it in turns to follow us up the country, laden with energy bars, flapjacks and a list of bike repair shops.

As an added incentive as we tackle the undulating terrain Britain throws at us, we're raising money for two charities: Parkinsons UK and Samaritans Isle of Man.

It promises to be a tough challenge and a great adventure.

Due to complexities in charity online platform membership we have had to split out fundraising. For complete information on our challenge and to donate to the Samartitans please look here www.lejog2016.org.uk

One of the charities that we have decided to support with our bike ride is Parkinson’s UK. This is because of the profound effect we have seen Parkinson’s disease have on loved ones. My Uncle Roger and Grandfather Joe had Parkinson’s disease and both fought long and tough battles with this debilitating disease. With the support of their families they owned Parkinson’s disease and didn’t let it own them keeping an amazing positivity, sense of humour and not losing themselves to the disease. But not everyone has this network.
Public opinion of this disease does not reflect the true debilitating nature of Parkinson’s which aside from involuntary shakes can steal people’s livelihood, mobility and in some cases mind. However, for most people it’s just known as a disease that gives you the shakes.
Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system mainly affecting the motor system. Parkinson’s is a lifelong condition and although it does not directly cause loss of life it greatly worsens health in later life and normally leads to complications that significantly shorten the sufferer’s life. Parkinson’s UK concentrates on research, care and support to increase quality of life. It forms a support network for sufferers and families of suffers to help them take control and support them through a difficult time. There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease and limited research funding.