Fundraiser to take on bike challenge

Walsall's Glyn Marston is gearing up to take on the London to Edinburgh to London cycle ride in less than two weeks.

The cyclist – who has had a knee replacement, heart issues and epilepsy – has been been given the thumbs up from his doctor to take on the challenge.

And he hopes to promote his home town of Willenhall and the Black Country on his way, as well as supporting MacMillan Cancer Support, Cancer Research UK and St Giles Hospice in Walsall.

The 54-year-old, who has ran over 100 marathons, said: "Imagine cycling all day and all night, all through the dark hours and navigating your way along the designated route to make sure that you reach each check point on time. This challenge is tough in every aspect.

"There will be places to sleep and catch 40 winks but if you are up against the time, you will not have spare time to catch a nap.

"This challenge is not just about endurance and stamina but also about strength of mind, determination and the will to carry on through whatever the weather throws at you."

Mr Marston has supported the community by coaching dodgeball to youngsters across the region and started a walking football club among other things.

He has had a banner that is autographed by celebrities made which will be auctioned at the end of the year to boost the fundraising.

London Edinburgh London is one of Britain’s greatest cycling challenges. Taking place every four years, cyclists will ride from London to Edinburgh and back in under five days.

It’s not a race, but they will have just over 100 hours to get back to London.

The route passes through tough climbs in the Pennines and Scottish Lowlands, to the fens of Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire.