A BIKE enthusiast has set himself the challenge of cycling 1,000 miles to raise £1,000 in aid of “the world’s oldest teenager”.

Jason Wakeling, 41, of Joseph Street, Darwen, is training up to 200 miles a week before he takes on events including the Wiggle Tour of the Peak District in May, the South Wales Wiggle Dragon Ride in June, and two sections of the Tour de France, taking in part of the Alps and the Pyrenees mountains.

All money raised will be split between Cancer Research UK, in memory of Jason’s father Martin, who died in 2003, and the Progeria Family Circle, inspired by friend Hayley Okines.

Hayley, 14, of East Sussex, was born with the rare, terminal genetic disease progeria that causes her to age eight times faster than the average person. The average lifespan for sufferers is 13.

Jason, who works in IT, said: “I’d been an avid fan of cycling for many years, and with my 40th birthday approaching, I thought why not have a go myself?

“I took part in some organised events last year that I enjoyed immensely, but I didn’t do them for charity. Then I had a reunion with Hayley and some other Progeria sufferers, after originally meeting her 10 years ago when I was in a rollercoaster club.

“You see these kids and you know every single one of them probably won’t live beyond 14 or 15, but they’re so full of life. I decided that I could do something, and I had to help.”

Jason, who claims to be “fairly fit” because of a background in dancing, now regularly heads out to the Darwen countryside, to Clitheroe and the Trough of Bowland on his racer bike. He said: “We have a wonderful area for cycling around here. I usually ride alone because it allows me to clear my head and it’s therapeutic.

“I can’t wait to get stuck into the challenges and head down hills at 40 or 50 miles an hour – it’s such a thrill.”

To donate to Jason’s goal, visit: www.blue buzzards. com/1000miles/