The manager at Center Parcs Longleat Forrest will be taking on a five day cycling challenge in America to raise funds and awareness for charity.

Andy De'Ath will be pedalling 575km with is friend Collin McMahon in over 30 degree heat through desert, forests, canyons and towns, as well as part of Route 66 .

The pair are raising money for Together for Short Lives, a charity that supports children and young people living with life limiting or life threatening conditions.

Mr De'Ath said: "Five days of cycling is going to be a challenge in itself but the heat and the terrain will add another element of difficulty.

"Colin and I aren’t cyclists so this is taking us way out of our comfort zone, but it will be more than worth it on that last day, having raised awareness and funds for Together for Short Lives which is an incredible cause."

Center Parcs have been working with the charity for over a year and have raised more than £200,000 in the first 12 months through skydives, cake sales, sponsored challenges and more.

Mr De'Ath said: "I went to visit Children's Hospice South West last summer and I was blown away by the place.

"The environment, the dedication of the team and meeting some of the families was an incredible experience and really opened my eyes to the support they need.

"I wanted to do something big to show my support. The challenges these parents face are a mountain compared to my challenge but I’m taking it on for them and to ensure the support continues."

Mr De'Ath and Mr McMahon have set themselves a fundraising target of £10,000 for this challenge which they hope to hit by October, and they have already raised more than £6,500 of this.

For more information and the opportunity to donate please visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/colinandandyblazingsaddles2017.