TWO novice cyclists, are taking on a 258-mile challenge later this week, to raise funds for a charity which is dear to their hearts.

On Thursday (September 20), brothers Andrew and Daniel Beard from Cinderford, are setting off from Lands End and cycling through Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Avon to Bristol.

The ride is due to take them four days and the pair have already raised around £2,800 for charity Cots for Tots.

Aircraft fitter Andrew is married to Lorraine and when the couple’s daughter Evie was born, she was treated for hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), a limited supply of oxygen and blood flow around the time of birth.

“HIE causes brain injury and can result in cerebral palsy,” Andrew said. “It was caused by the placenta separating too early from the uterus. After an emergency Caesarian at Gloucester Royal Hospital, Evie was immediately resuscitated.

“Within hours she received cooling treatment and was soon transferred to St Michael’s in Bristol with a team of four medics, as this Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) is one of a few units that specialises in the treatment that Evie required.”

Evie was in St Michaels for eight days, during which Andrew and Lorraine were given a room free of charge at Cots for Tots House, meaning they could stay just moments away from their daughter while she was being cared for in the unit. Thanks to the pioneering treatment provided at St Michael’s SCBU, Evie now leads a normal life.

“She’s perfect,” Daniel said. “The hospital did an amazing job. When I decided to get fit by taking up cycling, I decided I wanted to raise money for Cots for Tots.

“I told Andrew what I was doing and he decided to join me as he too wanted to give something back to the charity. I started cycling last November and Andrew started in January.

“We’re both looking forward to the ride. It will be physically challenging, but it’s such a good cause to support.

“I can’t wait to share the experience with my brother and so many like-mind people who will each have different stories linking them to Cots for Tots and St Michael’s Special Care Baby Unit.”