A GP has been picked to help a top rugby star achieve a 3,000 kilometre charity cycle ride across Europe this month.

Dr Simon Morris, who works with patients with painful back or limb problems across East Lancashire, has been chosen as the team doctor for Lawrence Dallaglio’s epic bike ride from Rome to Edinburgh.

The former England rugby captain will lead a team of celebrity cyclists as they visit each of the stadiums involved in the Six Nations rugby tournament.

Dr Morris will be looking after the aches, sprains and general medical issues that arise for Dallaglio and his team during 28 gruelling days as they try to raise more than £1 million for charities including Cancer Research, Leukaemia Research, Help For Heroes and Sport Relief.

Simon, 35, who lives in the Ribble Valley with his partner Jo, works as a GP with special interests in the area’s musculo-skeletal service, run by NHS East Lancashire’s community health services section.

Originally from Wilpshire, he played for Blackburn Rugby Club for 20 years.

He said: “I’m looking forward to the task in hand, making sure that Lawrence and his team are kept fit and well enough to stay the course.

“It’s certainly a big challenge for them, cycling all that way.

“My job is easier on the muscles but it’s quite a logistical challenge in itself, keeping up with them, treating them and having the right equipment available for most medical eventualities.”

Simon, whose brother Andy played rugby for Sale and England Under 21s with Lawrence, has previously been a team doctor for the Ford World Rally Team.

He is also the doctor called in by Lancashire County Cricket team at Old Trafford to work with players alongside cricketing physios Dave Roberts and Sam Byrne.

He said: “I’m doing the Dallaglio project voluntarily and I’m grateful for being allowed to take most of my leave in one go to do it.

“I want to put my efforts into helping the charities involved.

“One of my best friends lost his wife through cancer and another sadly died of a heart attack. If this helps the cause, it will be worthwhile for that alone.”