Former naval submariner Chris Wild is attempting to cycle from Lands End to John O’Groats in aid of Cancer Research UK.

Sixty-three-year-old Mr Wild, who lives in Southwick, set off from Cornwall on Tuesday and is hoping to cover the 1,020 miles over 17 days, arriving at his destination on August 12.

The charity is close to Mr Wild’s heart as his 32-year-old son Ben is a cancer survivor having suffered from the disease when he was a boy.

Mr Wild will be riding with naval colleague John Rowlands and son-in-law Ronnie Spicer, raising cash for the British Malignant Hyperpyrexia Association and the Stairway To Heaven Memorial Trust.

Mr Wild, who was in the Navy for 23 years, has been training hard. He has covered 50 miles one day a week and between 20 and 30 on every other.

Mr Wild hopes to raise £1 for every mile he cycles. Wife Shelia has been helping him collect donations.

“People are amazing. Pensioners come along with £5 and it’s always those who can least afford it,” she said.

Follow their progress via their blog at www.landsendtojohnogroats.weebly.com. Dona-tions can be made at www.just giving.com/Chris-Wild.