A FATHER and son are gearing up to cycle more than 300 miles through three countries to raise money for charity.

Brian Johnson, 62, and his son Gareth, 36, are just two of 13 East Lancashire cyclists who will ride 317 miles from the Olympic Velodrome in London to Brussels in Belgium.

The route taken by Team Dribble will see them ride to Harwich in Essex, take the ferry to Holland, before continuing through Amsterdam and on to the Belgian capital.

All the money raised through sponsorship will be donated to Action Medical Research, which is dedicated to helping sick children and babies.

Father-of-two Gareth, of St John’s Road, Padiham, said the cause was close to his heart.

He said: “It’s a UK-based charity, which helps children, and I know one particular young lady - my daughter’s friend’s sister - who has suffered from leukaemia. The charity isn’t too well known, but it has been working for years and years, so I thought why not give it a go.”

The cyclists who make up Team Dribble live in Burnley, Blackburn and the Ribble Valley.

Gareth and his dad Brian, who lives in Chatburn, have embarked on a strict training regime in preparation for the challenge on August 31.

Part of Gareth’s routine involves him cycling between his Padiham home and Johnson Matthey in Clitheroe, where he works, every day.

He said: “We’re trying to get bigger and longer rides in wherever we can.

“I’m absolutely looking forward to it now. It has been difficult to organise because it’s such a big team, but I can’t wait to get going.”

On Friday, September 9 a black tie and posh frock event takes place at the Fence Gate Inn for the charity.

It includes a three-course meal, red carpet treatment and live entertainment. Tickets £35. Email garethjjohnson@hotmail.co.uk or call 07886 938510.