STEVENAGE mayor Simon Speller is hoping the weather will cool down before he sets off on his 1,168 miles cycling challenge. He is currently in training for his charity ride from Land s End to John O Groats from which he hopes to raise £5,000 for Sue Ryde

STEVENAGE mayor Simon Speller is hoping the weather will cool down before he sets off on his 1,168 miles cycling challenge.

He is currently in training for his charity ride from Land's End to John O'Groats from which he hopes to raise £5,000 for Sue Ryder Care.

"It can be hard to raise money for neurological care so I thought it would be a good charity to choose. The work Sue Ryder does is amazing. When I learnt more about the charity I realised this has got to be the charity for me," he said.

Sue Ryder Care Centre, at Stagenhoe Park, St Paul's Walden near Hitchin provides hospice and neurological care for patients and residents with a wide range of illnesses including cancer, multiple sclerosis and Huntington's disease.

Cllr Speller first got involved in charity bike rides in 1992 when he cycled from Stevenage to Autun in France. Since then he has undertaken many rides and is quite happy cycling alone.

For his latest challenge, which will start on August 15 and last nearly two weeks, he will cycle on his own but his wife Bridy will follow in a support car.

Cllr Speller will be stopping off at Stagenhoe on Saturday, August 19 for a fund-raising afternoon - the day will include a fun dog show, a barbecue and a jazz quartet.

Most days he will cycle 100 miles per day taking about eight hours. If the good weather continues he will cycle early in the morning and in the evening to avoid the midday sun.

Cllr Speller said: "As well as raising money for charity, I hope this will prove what great fun cycling is."

* If you would like to sponsor Cllr Speller visit www.justgiving.com/simonspeller or make a cash donation at Stevenage Borough Council reception, Daneshill House, Stevenage.