A PLUCKY threesome are set to pedal for their lives this weekend as they hit the road to raise cash for Brighter Futures.

Friends Jamie Cowley, Paul Tollafield and Rob Harper, who all work for the Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, will take on the ultimate endurance test and cycle 100 miles from Reading to Bristol in 12 hours.

The team will be pedalling on the tow paths along the Kennet and Avon canal on Saturday to back a cause that is close to their hearts.

Paul, 57, said: “We have done some charitable things over the past few years. We did a 25-mile walk from Bath to Devizes a couple of years ago, and last year we hiked up Mount Snowden, which was hard.

“We are not keen cyclists at all, but we wanted to do something challenging.”

The chaps have been have been covering around 30 miles in training over the past few weeks and, despite the enormity of the challenge they face, remain positive about doing it in 12 hours.

They are hoping to raise around £1,000.

Jamie, 53, said: “I’m really looking forward to it, I think it’ll be great.”

Paul, the oldest in the group, was perhaps a little bit more apprehensive.

“There’s only one youngster among us,” he said, referring to 32-year-old Rob.

Explaining why they decided to support Brighter Futures, Rob said: “It’s something really close to our hearts.

“Everybody knows someone who has been affected by cancer and we all think it’s a really good cause.”

Paul agreed. He said: “It’s a fantastic local charity and I hope that things like this will help them reach their target as soon as possible.”

The threesome will be heading off to Reading on Saturday morning and hope to be back in Swindon at a reasonable time on Saturday night.

“Hopefully the weather will stay nice and it’ll be a really good day,” said Paul.

So far £1,539,135 has been raised for Brighter Futures. The team is very grateful for every single donation and wish to thank everyone for their support.

To donate you can send cut out and send in the attached form or log on to: www.brighterfuturesgwh.nhs.uk.