Phil Lagdon is ready for an epic challenge that will see him cycle from John O’Groats to Lands End while also stopping to climb the UK’s three highest peaks on the way.

The 33-year-old father of two from Hedge End, will set off on July 22 to raise money for Leukaemia charity Bloodwise in honour of his late brother-in-law and close friend Keith Harris, who worked at Southampton Docks.

He has certainly set himself a difficult task, with the blue riband UK cycling endurance ride totalling 1,200 miles set to be completed inside a fortnight, along with stops to climb the highest peaks of Scotland, England and Wales.

Lagdon has been getting advice from former Saints star Francis Benali, who is an expert in gruelling endurance events, on how to handle not only the preparation but the struggles that will inevitably come during the two weeks on the road.

To most the challenge would sound too much to even contemplate, but for Lagdon the motivation is clear.

He said: “In September 2014 my brother in-law and good friend Keith Harris had the devastating news he had been diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia. Unfortunately his situation worsened and in February 2015 his Leukaemia mutated to add an additional disease and was also diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia.

“Keith was admitted to hospital in February 2015 and spent the majority of that year as an inpatient. He underwent several rounds of aggressive chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

“Complications raised from the disease and the treatments he received in the form of CNS (Central Nervous System Disease), Meningitis and Pneumonia amongst others.

“Keith had his bone marrow transplant, his last chance of cure, in January 2016 and at first it was looking very positive. Unfortunately the Leukaemia returned. He was told there was nothing more they could do. He spent his last few weeks at home with his family.

“Keith sadly past away in April 2016.

“Keith was a keen cyclist and competed in many endurance races and ultra marathons, which is why I have chosen this challenge to honour his life and raise money for this great cause.”

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