A FUNDRAISER who grew up in Pill will cycle for 350 miles to collect cash for a cause close to his heart.

Alan Cheesley will set off from Bristol on Saturday and plans to reach Lands End in Cornwall on July 13, cycling an average of 50 miles each day.

The 55-year-old, who spent many years in Pill and also went to Gordano School, will raise money for The Starfish Pool Appeal, which is seeking to collect enough cash to allow a hydrotherapy pool to be installed at Claremont School in Bristol.

The school works with children who have disabilities and learning difficulties, including Alan’s nephew, Archie, who has cerebral palsy.

During his journey, Alan, who now lives in Bristol, will solely follow routes created by the national cycling organisation, Sustrans, and he hopes his efforts will also help raise awareness of the abundance of safe cycle routes in the area.

Alan will be joined by family and friends along the way, including his friend from their time at Gordano School, Roger Francusz, as well as his daughter Ruby.

He said: “I thought I was going to do this alone and that a target of �2,000 was ridiculously high. However, the support I have received from family and friends, clients and work colleagues has been amazing.”

* To sponsor Alan visit www.charitygiving.co.uk/alancheesley