A TRAINEE PE teacher will embark on an epic cycling challenge this week in memory of a friend who died of cancer.

Anthony Cox, from Newton Aycliffe, plans to cycle the 300 miles from London to Newcastle in just 24 hours on Saturday, August 30.

The 23-year-old is raising money for the Teenage Cancer Trust along with 300 other cyclists.

Mr Cox is taking part in memory of Mark Bulman, also from Newton Aycliffe, who lost his battle with cancer in 2010 at the age of 21.

He said: “Although this is a huge challenge, it is nothing compared to the battle young cancer suffers have every day.

“Every day, six teenagers hear the words ‘you have cancer’ so let’s raise as much money as possible for this amazing charity.”

Determined to complete his biggest challenge yet, Mr Cox, a trainee PE teacher at Carmel College in Darlington, trains by cycling an average of 250 miles a week.

Last year, Mr Cox raised more than £1,600 for Macmillan Cancer Support by cycling from London to Paris in three days.

He has also taken part in a Coast-to-Coast Cycle Route and has completed the Great North Run twice for various other charities.

To make a donation, visit justgiving.com/Anthony-24hours