IPSWICH resident Paul Wiggins and friend John Stedman are about to set off on a 900 mile adventure across the UK.They plan to cycle the length of the country from John O'Groats to Lands End - a route which only recently defeated Olympic champions James Cracknell and Rebecca Romero.

IPSWICH resident Paul Wiggins and friend John Stedman are about to set off on a 900 mile adventure across the UK.

They plan to cycle the length of the country from John O'Groats to Lands End - a route which only recently defeated Olympic champions James Cracknell and Rebecca Romero.

After seeing a number of friends and family suffer through terminal illness Mr Wiggins has decided to take some time out from his globetrotting career in the entertainments industry and seek new experiences, with the ultimate aim of raising money for the St Elizabeth Hospice.

He hopes this ride is just the beginning of more adventures, with running the Great Wall of China and visiting the Seven Wonders of the World also on his list.

Beginning on the 20th August in John O'Groats the pair will cycle an average of 80 miles per day carrying all their provisions and equipment, including tents for the stint through the Highlands around Loch Ness.

The duo have been clocking up the miles before their departure, with Paul managing an average of 25 miles per day - however work commitments mean that John will be jumping in at the deep end with only a few weeks of training under his belt.

They aim to raise up to �2000 in total, split between two charities close to their hearts.

Paul will be riding for the St Elizabeth Hospice whilst John is raising money for the Family Holiday Association, helping disadvantaged families take much needed breaks away from home.

Collecting buckets are available in all Thompson and First Choice travel agents in the town, or you can visit www.justgiving.co.uk/paul-wiggins to sponsor the pair.