PLENTY of pedal power will be needed if three cyclists are to achieve their goal.

Graham Davies and father-and-son Mark and Richard Wheater plan to cycle from Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium to Old Trafford, Manchester, in April, to raise funds for a holistic cancer care centre.

Their 122-mile journey coincides with Boro's away match against Manchester United on April 21.

Mr Davies, who is a volunteer at the centre, which is based at The James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, said: "I'm getting some practice in, so I'm out and about on my bike a bit.

"We're hoping to raise as much money as possible for the centre but of course, as a massive Boro fan, I'll be pedalling that little bit harder to make sure I get there in time for the match."

The cyclists will set off on Thursday, April 19, and expect to arrive in Manchester at lunchtime on Saturday.

Father-of-two Mr Wheater, from Acklam, is no stranger to fundraising for the centre, though he admits it has been a while since he has cycled long distance.

After being diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease in 2002 and having to undergo chemotherapy and radiotherapy, he used the complementary services at the centre.

"I've done a bit of cycling before but nothing on this scale. I work in the sterile services department at the hospital, so am currently cycling to and from work every day," he said.

"As an ex-cancer patient, I think it's a fantastic service the staff there provide so I try to help out whenever I can."

Anyone wanting to sponsor the cyclists is asked to call 01642-854839.