A TRIO from Fareham are preparing to jet half way across the world today to undertake a 3,000-mile cycle for charity.

Ian Warner, 46, a former head chef from Southsea along with 20-year-olds Ben Henshaw and Tobi Ratcliff are heading to British Columbia to begin a 70-day cycle ride across the Rocky Mountains and Great Divide – spanning 2,780 miles from Canada to New Mexico.

The trip, which was Ian's idea, is being undertaken in memory of his mother Annette, who died aged 73 in January from mesothelioma, a form of lung cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.

The trio will be raising money for the Hampshire Asbestos Support Awareness Group.

Talking about ride, Ian said: "This is an ambitious challenge but it's going to be an amazing experience that will be life changing for all of us.

Along their journey, the group will face perilous mountain passes and spend many nights sleeping rough in remote areas where they will be at risk from attack by bears.

Ian added: "I'm not scared of the bears but we are following strict safety rules to ensure that we do not get mauled by them, including storing our food up a tree each night."