We owe it to the memory of those who died to keep up our efforts

4:04pm Tuesday 13th May 2008

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A RUDHEATH High School teacher has cycled more than 1,000 miles for charity.

Year seven form tutor Chris Ikin, 29, and friend Ed Robinson, also 29, raised more than £7,000 for Cancer Research UK by cycling from Lands End to John O'Groats.

They took on the gruelling 13-day challenge because they have both lost family and friends to the disease over the years.

Chris said: "Having seen first hand what cancer sufferers go through, it is hard to put a price on scientific research.

"The two of us wanted to support Cancer Research UK in memory of friends and family.

"We owe it to them and to help towards the greatest legacy we can give our future generations - finding ways of successfully treating all cancers."

Ed added: "Throughout our 13-day journey, we met people who reinforced the reasons why we both took on the challenge and why we were raising the money for Cancer Research UK.

"Their stories were the driving forces that kept us going, even when it was raining and we were running out of energy."

Michelle Limb, Cancer Research UK area volunteer manager, said she is thrilled with the pair's fundraising efforts.

"We're delighted Chris and Ed took on this challenge and managed to raise such a huge amount of money for the charity," she said.

"At Cancer Research UK we are working hard to improve our understanding of cancer and develop better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease."