AN Earby man will cycle from John O' Groats to Land's End to raise money for some new equipment in a local play park.

Ian Lyons, who has started a Crowdfunding website to raise £1,000 towards upgrading facilities in Sough Park, is aiming to cycle the full length of Britain (1,100 miles) without a support car.

He is doing the charity bike ride after receiving a letter from Sough's Joanne Bjork, the parent carer of 12-year-old Matthew, who has Dravet Syndrome – a rare genetic disorder that causes uncontrolled epilepsy, severe learning difficulties, autism and ataxia.

She said: "Despite his condition, he is a happy adventurous little boy who loves life.

"He manages to climb, swim and even ride a horse, albeit plastic. What he cannot manage, and it breaks my heart, is the slide at Sough.

"It’s not only Matthew that struggles with this ‘slide’. On asking other parents, many young children cannot access this piece of equipment."

Ian said: "To be honest, a lot of work needs to be done to make our playgrounds more inclusive, and it won't be free. So, I'm hoping to raise at least £1,000 of funding to help Matthew – and many other children like him – have an enjoyable childhood."

Ian departs tomorrow and hopes to finish by July 17.

Visit crowdfunding.justgiving.com/LoveEarby to make a donation.