A SWINDON school leaver is cycling between Britain’s three capitals this summer in a bid to raise £1,500 for Great Ormond Street Hospital Sam Olden, 18, began his trip in Edinburgh on July 28 with school friend George Barton, 18.

The pair who board at Gordon’s School in Woking, Surrey, headed towards Cardiff and finally onto London where they are set to finish tomorrow in Trafalgar Square.

Their journey is 572 miles with the duo covering between 49 and 81 miles a day, carrying provisions in panniers and staying in youth hostels and campsites on the way.

Sam said: “We wanted to do something memorable with the break.

“I got into cycling when I borrowed by dad’s old bike so we decided to cycle around the capitals.

“The trip so far has been a challenge – I’m very saddle sore and my legs ache but it’s been worth it.”

The cyclists have raised £1,189 so far for the hospital and are hoping to hit their target by the time they return.

“Great Ormond Street carries out miracles on a daily basis and knowing people that work there and who have received treatment gave us a better idea of the support they need.”

Sam’s dad Stu, who lives with Sam in Hudson Way, Abbey Meads, said he is extremely proud of his son’s summer holiday feat.

He said: “In my younger days I did the Land’s End to John O’Groats cycle so I know what he’s going through and I admire him for it. I couldn’t be more proud of Sam.

“I think he’ll learn a lot about himself during this challenge and make a difference to a very deserving charity.”

Today the duo aim to complete their 513th mile, cycling 49.6 miles between Gloucester and Oxford.

To sponsor the pair, visit www.justgiving.com/jacob-deppe.