A PAIR of hardy Hampshire cyclists will take on the 54-mile London to Brighton bike ride tomorrow to raise money for charity.

Roy Lane and Dean Ellis, both 38, are looking forward to travelling to the capital and racing back down south as fast as they can.

Chandler’s Ford resident Dean was inspired to get involved and raise cash for his neighbour Lester Moody, 64, who suffers from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

He was told six years ago that he would only have five years to live, but has determinedly battled on and defied doctors’ predictions.

Dean said: “It’s a disease of the lungs and there’s no cure.

“We moved in three-and-a-half years ago and, just like neighbours do, had a chat and got friendlier and friendlier.

“He used to be out doing gardening with his oxygen tank, but he’s gone to being bedridden. I want to make sure the money goes to the right place.”

So far Dean has raised £640 for the Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust, but hopes he can convince more people to donate.

Joining him tomorrow will be |fellow cyclist Roy, who is raising money for Children with Cancer |UK.

The pair are keen cyclists and hope that by achieving top speeds of 22 to 25 miles an hour, they can complete the course in less than four hours.

Up to 2,000 other cyclists will be taking part and Roy and Dean plan to start quickly to beat traffic.

Dean said: “I’m excited about it and it should be good, but we’ll start at about 6am.

“We want to get there early doors and get on the road because we have been told that there are slow people on the hills.”

Roy said: “I’ve done it a couple of times before and it’s not about the distance.”

To donate to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust via Dean visit |mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers|/deanellis.