A WESTHOUGHTON man celebrating his 70th birthday has found an energetic way to mark it.

Barrie Taylor is planning to challenge himself to pedal 1,000 miles all the way from from Land’s End to Scotland’s John O’Groats to celebrate the occasion.

Since the 1960’s the end to end challenge across the length of the British Iles has become a firm favourite with the British people.

Cycling on average 70 miles per day the challenge will see Barrie hit the saddle for 14 consecutive days.

On day seven, Barrie plans to pass through his home town of Westhoughton by cycling up Bolton Road.

Barrie, who is aiming to raise £3,000 for Marie Curie said: “As a long term supporter of the charity, I have been involved in lots of fundraising activities over the past 13 years including cycling across Poland and Ireland.

“It’s been a few years since I’ve taken on a personal challenge for Marie Curie and ‘lejog’ is on my bucket list and with turning 70 this year, I figured it’s now or never!”

Barrie, who is funded the trip as a 70th birthday to himself, chose to raise money for the charity because he has long been involved with its Bolton group, which was set up by his daughter, who also heads up the charity’s community fundraising team in the North of England, and his wife Kath, who is secretary of the group.

Barrie added, “Fundraising for this charity comes with the territory in our family. Over the years I have heard so many stories from people who have benefited from the care and support of its nurses.

“I don’t think enough people are aware of the charity’s vital work and hope I can do my bit to help this. I know all donations will help me through the many tough days I will inevitably face." Daughter Hannah, 36, who lives in Ladybridge said “I’m extremely proud of my dad.

"Whilst he is an active man this is going to be a huge challenge for him and the money he is raising will enable Marie Curie to provide vital care and support to terminally ill people and their families at such a difficult time.

Last year Marie Curie provided over 14,800 hours of care to people living in Bolton.

To support the cycle ride go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/barrie-taylorlejog.