A PAIR of Winchester siblings have set off on a two-week bike ride in the name of charity.

Teddy and Sophie Ridley left the city on their bikes on September 1 and plan to reach Land’s End by September 15.

They are cycling the 1,400km John O’Groats route with two friends, Freddie Krone and Phoebe Langton Hewer, to raise money for Winchester Churches Nightshelter, writes Sam Hatherley.

Teddy, 18, of Christchurch Road, only took up cycling during lockdown. He is heading to Oxford University next month to study engineering.

He said: “We wanted to challenge ourselves mentally and physically whilst raising money for a great charity which is such an important part of our local community.

“They work tirelessly to provide a safe and caring temporary home for individuals experiencing homelessness. Sadly, like many charities, it has suffered greatly as a result of the pandemic.

“We would therefore like to do everything we can to try and raise as much as possible for such a great cause.”

His sister Sophie has just graduated from Durham University with her friend Phoebe, who is from Bristol.

So far the group have cycled through the Wye Valley and Malvern Hills on their way to Manchester.

Michèle Price, chief executive of the Nightshelter, said: “We are so impressed by the commitment and determination of these individuals.

“Cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats takes great mental and physical strength. The last few months have brought challenges for our charity and the money the cyclists are raising will really help to support our vital work especially whilst we are open all day as well as all night for our residents.”

You can keep track of the cyclists’ progress and support them via their JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sophie-ridley2