A GROUP of cyclists are joining forces to get ready for the charity challenge of a lifetime.

Keen pedal-pushers from Colchester have been training together ahead of the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 on August 4.

The event Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 will see about 25,000 amateur cyclists take on a 100-mile cycling challenge through London and Surrey.

It will start in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, then travel through the capital on to Surrey’s country roads before a spectacular finish at The Mall in central London.

Adam Jones, Chris McBeth, Zoe McBeth, Lee Clarkson, Chusa Bautista, Stuart Chittock, Richard Hartwell, Nick Bailey Sue Foley and Catherine Johnson are all taking part.

Adam Jones, a guitar teacher from Highwoods, is cycling for Bliss - the premature birth charity.

He said: “I have been fortunate enough to not need the services Bliss offer, but I want to raise as much money as possible.

“This is going to be a real challenge for me but I am really excited to be involved in the event.”

Zoe McBeth is cycling for The Brain Tumour Charity. She said: “I’m cycling specifically for Lizzie’s Fund. Lizzie was a nine-year-old girl who I taught at Littlegarth School in Nayland.

“She was diagnosed with a DIPG tumour in February 2018, but lost her brave battle just nine months later.”

Nick Bailey is cycling in memory of his wife’s auntie Mandy Gibbons, who died of cancer last year.

He said: “Cancer affects us all and we need to find a cure.

“The challenge has become a bit more difficult as I suffered a heart attack in March, which has set me back quite a bit, but I am more determined than ever to ride.”

Stuart Chittock is riding for Sands, Richard Hartwell is cycling for the British Tinnitus Association, Lee Clarkson and Chusa Bautista are riding for Help4Heroes, while Chris McBeth is riding for Prostate Cancer UK.

Search their names at www.justgiving.com.