THEY are an intrepid team of cycling fundraisers on a mission – to raise at least £20,000 to help fund a unique local cancer treatment centre in the Basingstoke area.

Five of the riders will be pedalling from John O’Groats to Land’s End – more than 1,000 miles – for JOGLE16 from July 2-12.

A further seven will join them for a three-day leg from Basingstoke to the Cornwall landmark.

The trek started out as a Bucket List challenge for friends and local businessmen Craig Killick, Gary Livingstone, and Rob Jones.

Craig said: “We soon decided that if we were going to be crazy enough to ride the length of the country, we may as well also do it for a good cause – so we will be raising money towards Ark Cancer Centre Charity’s £5million appeal which is helping to fund a unique local cancer treatment centre in the Basingstoke area.

“Cancer touches so many families, and all of us taking part in JOGLE16 want to do something to help make this much-needed centre a reality.”

The three friends will be joined on the full ride by Rob’s brother Bernie, from Chester. He has made an amazing recovery after being struck down by bacterial meningitis just three months ago, and is back in the saddle, raring to go.

The fifth member of the whole-journey team is Graeme Bone, who raised money for the charity at last year’s Destination Basingstoke Half Marathon.

Joining the five for the three-day leg from July 10-12 will be Graeme’s colleagues Mark Dolby and Andy Coles, as well as Claire Killick, Anna O’Shea Collier, Laura Griffin, Simon Finch and brothers Barry and Ian Fuller.

All of the riders are paying their way to maximise the amount of money that will go to the charity, and support has also come from a wide range of local companies, sponsors and supporters, including main event sponsor OB&M Ltd.

Craig said: “We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received.”

A special party is being held on July 8 at The Tea Bar in London Street when all the riders will come together.

Mark Jones, director of fundraising and communications at Ark Cancer Centre Charity, will be driving a support vehicle for JOGLE16.

He said: “The JOGLE16 riders are putting in an awesome amount of time, money and hard work in preparing for and taking part in this marathon challenge.

“Ark Cancer Centre Charity is grateful to these fabulous fundraisers and their sponsors."

For more information on JOGLE16, including tickets to The Tea Bar event, visit jogle16.co.uk.