TWO friends, who both went to school in Crediton, will this weekend undertake a 1,000 mile motorcycle ride in 24 hours in aid of Cancer Research UK.

Paul Taylor and Martin Tucker will undertake the bike ride, non-stop (apart from necessary comfort breaks and to get fuel!), in memory of family and dear friends.

They will start their bike ride at Exeter Services, Moto (formerly Granada Services) from 7pm on Friday, July 19 and aim to complete the ride at 7pm on Saturday, July 20.

Pat Taylor, Paul’s wife explained: “The motivation for the ride is through losing family members and close family friends to this horrific disease.

“We’d like to remember Phil, Ken, Pam, Norma, Ian, Hazel, Tony and Michael. Dear family and friends. Several have taken on the disease and beaten it. Sheila, Kate and Marion. Also Martin’s Dad.

“At this time our dear brother, Mark is battling bravely.”

Paul lived in Upton Pyne as a child and he and Pat still live in Crediton.

Martin grew up in Crediton and moved to Honiton 15 years ago, still having family in the town.

Paul had organised a ride in memory of his brother Phil who died from cancer in Feb 2015. Martin rode with a mutual friend and a friendship developed from there, going out in a group on their bikes.

Martin’s dad has also been affected by this horrible disease and it was Martin’s suggestion to undertake this 1,000 mile challenge in aid of Cancer Research UK.

The route the pair hope to take is up above Leeds, then heading down to Penzance, returning to Exeter Services, hopefully before 7pm on Saturday.

The pair set themselves a challenge to raise £2,000 and have already exceeded their target but are still hoping to raise lots more money.

Anyone who is able to assist with funding can do so online at: https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/pats-giving-page-28 .

In addition, look out for collection boxes in a number of locations in Crediton including Valerie Barker Jewellers, The Bike Shed, Treen Motors and Moto Velo.