A PAIR of keen cyclists are taking on a huge challenge from the bottom to the top of the UK, to raise money towards a community project.

Simon Last, 64, and Martin Crisp, 59, both from Great Maplestead, are undertaking a sponsored 1,000-mile bike ride from Land’s End in Cornwall to John O’Groats in Scotland.

The duo are hoping to raise at least £5,000 towards the village’s ambitious £90,000 community field development project.

Simon and Martin have been in training for the past few months, riding up to 100 miles every day to prepare for the challenge.

The ride takes them through some physically challenging areas of the UK, and most of the daily stages are about 75 miles long.

It is made even more difficult because Martin, being a keen marathon runner, is new to cycling, and Simon, despite being more experienced in the cycling field, is doing it with two replacement hips.

Simon said: “We thought this ride would not only be a tremendous personal challenge, but it is also a unique way of engaging with the community and hopefully encourage contributions towards our Community Field Development Project funding target”.

The challenge is part of an ongoing fundraising program to revitalise the current village playing field in Great Maplestead, particularly by replacing the children’s ageing play equipment.

It is also hoped to provide full access for people of all abilities to the whole of the field, which is a valuable and much loved community amenity.

The village school, which has used the playing field a great deal during the recent Covid pandemic, will also benefit from a pathway which can be used for their ‘Mile-a-Day’ challenge.

Simon and Martin started the incredible challenge last Sunday, May 15, and aim to complete the 14-day ride and return to their home village in time to join in with celebrations for the Queen’s platinum jubilee.

So far the pair have raised almost £3,000, and you can read more about the project and support Simon and Martin by visiting crowdfunder.co.uk/p/maplestead-community-field/.