EIGHT-year-old Toby Poffley is today preparing for the 1,100 mile trek from Land’s End to John O’Groats by bike for the SECOND time – only this time he will pedalling all the way himself!

Last time the youngster undertook the marathon charity ride he was in his mum Rebekka’s womb as she was six months pregnant.

The Poffley family from Felixstowe is currently training for the ride – with their aim to raise �20,000 for the Sight Savers charity.

Taking part will be mum and dad, professional classical musicians Christopher, 50, and Rebekka, 48, along with their children Laura, 19, who is going to Sheffield University this autumn to read music and philosophy, Barny, 18, who has just taken his A levels at Farlingaye High, Jakob, 12, Nathanael, five, and Toby, eight, who are all home-tutored.

Joining them en route will be eldest son Ben, 21, a student at York St John University, and cousin Saskia Grundmann, 12.

Also taking part for the whole trip is Manuel Saiz, 12, from Spain, who is staying with the family for six months on an exchange trip.

Mr and Mrs Poffley, who also have a daughter Rachel, 23, a medical student at Edinburgh University, said everyone was really looking forward to the trip.

“It’s going to be fantastic fun – an adventure in the old style where you never know what’s going to happen,” said Mr Poffley, of Cobbold Road.

“We are aiming to do the trip in 19 to 20 days and so will be cycling 60 to 70 miles a day, and wild camping.”

Their route will avoid all major roads and take in some fantastic scenery.

“Some of the terrain will be very tough. In fact, Cornwall is the hardest bit and we will get that over fairly early.

“We decided to go from south to north because the prevailing winds are from the south-west and that should push us along a bit,” said Mr Poffley.

“It’s going to be special for Toby as last time he did the trip but was still inside his mum, Jakob didn’t pedal last time, and it will be Nathanael’s first time – I am pulling him in a trailer – and for Manuel it will be a great way to see the country while he is here.”

The family, who raised �4,000 for Christian organisation YWAM from their 2003 trip, chose Sight Savers this time because Mr Poffley’s brother Adrian worked for the charity as a director and they were impressed with its amazing work.

? To sponsor the family go to www.bmycharity.com/poffley2011