TWO brothers have started a journey of a lifetime to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Mark and Jamie White left Hampshire on a 2,000-mile cycle across Europe to raise funds in memory of their grandparents, who both died from cancer.

After the death of his grandfather a few years ago, Mark pledged to cycle 1,000 miles in his memory.

When his grandmother died last December Mark decided to doubled his efforts.

Mark, 29, said: "My reasons, dedication and drive to complete this challenge outweigh any obstacle or pain that the 2000 plus miles will throw at us. I'm completing this, and getting to the end for nan and grandad, and to raise every penny that I possibly can for Cancer Research UK."

The brothers travelled by ferry from Portsmouth to Santander in Spain, from where they began their ride which will take them through Madrid, Malaga and up the coast through Valencia and Barcelona.

The next leg includes heads into France through Toulouse, Nantes and finally to St Marlo, where a return ferry will carry them back to Portsmouth on April 9.

The brothers had been training on track before Mark dislocated his shoulder in September which has still not healed completely.

Mark said: "I had to be airlifted to Bath hospital and put to sleep to put my shoulder back in. I have also done significant damage to my nerves. Even though I am injured from the start, it is nothing compared to what some people are going through."

This ride is not the brothers' first fundraising feat.

The completed a 50-mile cycle in fancy dress which raised more than £1,000 for the Saints Foundation, the charitable leg of Southampton FC and have also raised more than £700 for Children with Cancer.

Their current challenge has already raised more than £3,300 through their fundraising page. To donate, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/europe2000.