A 23-year-old man is gearing up to cycle 1,000 miles from John O'Groats to Land's End in memory of his dad, who died suddenly after suffering a heart attack.

Will Lowrie will set off on his challenge on May 19 - 20 years after his dad, Drew, did the same challenge - and aims to complete it on May 30, raising money for the British Heart Foundation.

Triathlete Drew, 49, lived in Great Wymondley. The father-of-three died in 2013 after suffering a heart attack following a supervised swimming session at the Blue Lagoon in Arlesey.

Will said: "This came as a huge shock to me and my family, and it has undoubtedly shaped a large part of my life.

"My dad, to put it lightly, loved cycling. He completed several Ironman races, as well as countless other triathlons.

The Comet: Drew completed countless triathlons.Drew completed countless triathlons. (Image: Courtesy of Jane Orton)

"My dad’s journey with cycling started 20 years ago, in January 2004, when he decided that in May of that year he would ride from John O’Groats to Land’s End (JOGLE) in under three weeks, despite having no prior experience with the sport of cycling.

"He could ride a bike, but he certainly wasn’t what you would call a cyclist.

"However, as always, once my dad had committed to something, he would see it through with unshakeable determination and, five months later, on June 3, he completed his JOGLE trip.

"If I could do absolutely anything with my dad, I would go on a cycling trip with him. Sadly, that will never happen.

"The next best thing I can do is to attempt my own JOGLE trip, almost 20 years to the day after my Dad attempted his.

The Comet: Will is raising money for the British Heart Foundation.Will is raising money for the British Heart Foundation. (Image: Courtesy of Jane Orton)

"I will be following a very similar route to the one he took, although slightly improved from his A-road heavy journey, thanks to the wonders of modern route-planning technology.

"I can’t imagine having to plan this trip with only paper maps and no help from the internet!

"Despite not being able to be with him, I can’t wait to experience the same things, and see the same sights, as he would have seen on that journey 20 years ago."

To sponsor Will, visit justgiving.com/page/will-lowrie-jogle.