A TRIP along an iconic highway is in store for a cyclist who is fundraising for causes close to his heart.

Chris Bloomfield, who was raised in Ipswich but now lives in Bristol, will pedal 3,500 miles along Route 66 from New York to Los Angeles in just 66 days.

The former Stoke High School student is hoping to raise �20,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society and Great Ormond Street Hospital.

He was inspired to embark on the challenge in memory of his grandfather, who died after suffering from Alzheimer’s.

He said: “I just wanted to try and make a difference and give something back and I thought I would do something a bit wild.

“It was always something that I wanted to do.”

Mr Bloomfield plans to cycle 66 miles a day during the challenge.

Mr Bloomfield’s family, who live in Belstead, are fundraising for him.

His mother and his cousin, who were both patients at Great Ormond Street, are holding fundraising events to boost the charity pot. Mr Bloomfield has organised two poker tournaments in Bristol and he is even having his legs and chest waxed.

He said: “If people are inspired by the ride hopefully they might give a few pounds.

“I just want to try and help as many people as possible and I think their support would really help me get through my challenge and also help other people get through their own challenges.”

He has received support from celebrities on Twitter including former Ipswich Town striker Shefki Kuqi and England cricketer Ravi Bopara.

For more information on Mr Bloomfield’s challenge visit www.justdoitfor charity.com