EX-SERVICEMAN Peter Anders will cycle from John O’Groats to Lands End in July, inspired by his six-year-old nephew, who has Type One diabetes.

Mr Anders, of Kingston Road, Bradford on Avon, knowns all about the illness as his nephew Max and his mum Tracey both have the condition.

The 33-year-old has been training for the 900-mile ride all year, cycling 80 miles a day, and has set himself the target of completing the journey in nine days and raising £9,000.

“I have been dreaming about doing this since I was a child. I am absolutely buzzing about it,” said Mr Anders, who was born and bred in Trowbridge but has lived in Bradford on Avon for five years.

“Knowing my nephew and my mum have this condition makes me even more determined and gives me that extra motivation to finish it and raise as much money as possible.”

Mr Anders will be cheered on his mum, who lives on the Longfield estate, Trowbridge. She will be travelling in her car behind him as his support crew, with a friend on mechanic duty as he raises cash for Diabetes UK.

Max aims to be there to meet him at the finishing line after he pedals 1,400km across Scotland and England.

“Max will be at the finish line and I don’t want to let him down,” said Mr Anders, who will be wearing a Diabetes UK cycling outfit for the event.

“I try to see him as much as possible. We get on really well, I’m very close with him. To have this at his age isn’t fair.”

Max, who lives in Toucan Street, Trowbridge, with mum Tara Fluhrer and her fiance Kevin George, is a source of inspiration for Mr Anders in his training.

“He is really over the moon that I am doing this. He is really impressed and my other nephew, Max’s brother James, wants to ride along with me when I pass through Bradford on Avon,” said Mr Anders.

Mr Anders, who was with the Household Cavalry for two years from 2001-03, has suffered from mental health issues and depression but says cycling helps.

“You get that freedom out when you’re cycling in the middle of nowhere. It has helped me get back on the straight and narrow. I can’t get enough of it,” said Mr Anders who now works as a bike courier.

“I like pushing myself further and further. My mates don’t want to ride with me anymore because they can’t keep up.

To sponsor Mr Anders visit http://bit.ly/1MGqwTy