TWO friends are using pedal power to raise funds for their baby daughters by cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

Accountants Mark Underwood, 29, and Darren Klat, 31, who both work at the Health Protection Agency at Porton Down are raising money for charities that have helped their children.

Mr Underwood, whose ten-month-old daughter has a rare form of cystic fibrosis, is using the epic bike ride to help support the work of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust while Mr Klat is raising money for the Salisbury Stars Appeal after his six-month-old daughter spent some time on the children’s ward.

He said: “Alesha was diagnosed with a haemangioma by her ear which has caused her eating and movement issues.

“Salisbury is the only hospital in the area to have a programme dealing with this problem and they have been wonderful in looking after her.”

The two friends, who will be starting their ride on August 24, have been training hard for the event and plan to finish it in nine days, completing around 120 miles each day.

Mr Klat said: “We have been training in all conditions – we were out the other week in the snow and rain for over two-and-a-half hours.

“We both really want to give as much back to the charities as possible.”

To sponsor the bike ride visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/thelonggoodride2012