TWO Royal Air Force corporals are set to cycle more than 1,500 miles and visit 49 football stadiums in aid of charity.

Ben Cook, and Ben Atkey, from Hythe, are both armourers on Typhoon fighters, based at Lossiemouth.

Stationed there for eight years, they have set themselves the mammoth challenge in aid of four different charities after Ben Cook’s friend, Matthew Webb, died from pancreatic cancer.

Now Ben Atkey, a lifelong Saints fan (pictured, right), is set to embark on the challenge that will see the two of them visit St Mary’s as well as grounds across the country, including Anfield and Old Trafford after starting at St James’ Park in Newcastle this Wednesday, October 6.

The four beneficiaries include Pancreatic Cancer UK, Rowans Hospice near Waterlooville,, Prostate Cancer UK and SSAFA.

Ben, 29, said: “We have been training a lot, it’s going to be very tough work.

“Of course I’m a lifelong Saints fan, so I’m really looking forward to getting down to St Mary’s on October 17.

“We’ve called it Spider’s Away Days because of Matt’s nickname, Spider.”

Ben will also have support in the form of partner Corporal Roslyn Williams, who will be the pair’s support driver and monitoring their progress.

Cycling an average of 100 miles per day, the two are aiming to cover a total of 1,598 miles throughout the challenge and raise £5,000.

Before the challenge has started, the two have almost reached their half-way point in funding, raising more than £2,300.

The 49 clubs represent every team to have played in the Premier League since its formation in 1992, including St Mary’s in Southampton, Fratton Park in Portsmouth and the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth, with the ride set to take two weeks to complete.

Ben (pictured, below) added: “Our training has seen us do about 114 miles every day, and even though Ben Cook is stationed overseas in Cyprus, he’s been at it hard.

“Hopefully it will see us over the line, it’s such a worthwhile cause.”

To support the pair, contact 07805 215196 or visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/spidersawaydays17.