David Greaves, who has Parkinson's, is taking on the challenge with his friends Bruce Lorimer and Neil Manning, who are also living with the condition. David and Bruce met two years ago on the Corsica Coastal trek, a national fundraising event organised by the PDS.

"All three of us have always been active, so we wanted to show that Parkinson's doesn't have to get in the way of doing what you want to do," said David.

"We believe that a cure for Parkinson's is in its end game phase, so we are going End to End, to end Parkinson's by raising money for much needed research into the condition."

The team hope the 'Pedal for Parkinson's' ride, which has been honoured by the patronage of many well known local figures, including the Archbishop of York, could become an annual event.

Hugo Middlemas, director of fundraising for the Parkinson's Disease Society, said: "We are extremely grateful to Dave, Bruce and Neil for their fundraising efforts as all the money we use to fund research into Parkinson's comes from voluntary donations. This money will help us continue to support this vital work, which will help us get a better understanding of Parkinson's and may even lead to the development of a cure."

Setting off from Land's End on Monday, the cyclists hope to reach John O'Groats on June 18.

The leg from Grasmere next Wednesday, June 11, will be a special day, when several of David's friends will join him to pedal to Gretna. They will be supported by two well known celebrities, Doug Scott, the first Britain to climb Everest, and Alan Hinkes, the first Britain to climb the top 14 peaks.

To sponsor David, visit his fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/brucelorimer1.