Norfolk cyclists’ St Tropez charity challenge

Three university friends are on the way to St Tropez as they take part in an 1,000 mile charity challenge.

The 21-year-olds – Ben Harwood from Long Stratton, Jack Carpenter from Spooner Row, near Wymondham, and Tom Porter from Leeds – hope to raise �10,000 for Cancer Research UK by cycling the 1,000 miles from their University of Hertfordshire base in Hatfield all the way to St Tropez in the south of France.

They started their two-wheeled fundraiser – which they are calling All The Way To St Tropez – on Friday and are aiming to cycle about 100 miles a day to complete their challenge.

Mr Harwood said: 'We decided we wanted to set ourselves a challenge for charity, and we wanted to support Cancer Research UK because both myself and Jack have lost grandparents to cancer and Tom has a grandparent going through treatment at the moment.

'We are doing the cycle ride for our grandparents and also other people affected by cancer.'

He said they started their training for the challenge at Christmas and hope to raise as much money as they can.

'We started off wanting to raise �5,000 but at the moment we are at �5,500 and we are now aiming for �10,000,' Mr Harwood said.

'We have put a lot into this and it is a great cause, and something we are very passionate about.

'It would be fantastic if people could donate and help us reach �10,000.'

For more information about All The Way To St Tropez and to donate funds go to www.virginmoneygiving.com/ alltheway

To see updates about the cycling challenge as the trio progress on their journey from Hatfield to St Tropez visit www.facebook.com/ 321alltheway

Are you taking part in an epic challenge for a good cause? Call Norwich Evening News reporter Emma Knights on 01603 772428 or email emma.knights@archant.co.uk