A teenager is under taking a 450 mile bike ride which his friend to raise cash for a hospital where he had life saving surgery as a baby.

Tom Brazier, 16, and David Clark, 17, both from Letchworth GC, will set off from the town on August 18 with the aim of reaching to Land’s End in Cornwall eight days later to raise money for the Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (ACT).

When Tom, who attends Knights Templar School in Baldock, was 10 months old he had a shunt – a narrow tube that allows excess fluid that has built-up inside the skull to drain out into another part of the body – fitted in his head at the hospital in Cambridge.

“If I hadn’t had the operation then the fluid would have built up on my brain and could have caused all sorts of problems,” he said.

“Ever since the surgery I have wanted to raise money to help other children who have to go through so much at such a young age. The money we raise will help provide music therapy within children’s services at the hospital.

“We would both be extremely grateful to anyone who wants to donate something to this worthy cause.”

A spokesman for the ACT said: “We are delighted that Tom has chosen to raise funds for ACT. The money raised will be used to help fund a music therapy service at Addenbrooke’s Hospital.

“This aids the recovery of children treated on the wards and support the development of children with special needs at the Child Development Centre through playing and making up songs on percussion instruments, singing songs and listening to music. Music therapy at Addenbrooke’s is funded entirely by voluntary donations.”

To sponsor the pair visit www.justgiving.com/2-idiots-on-tour