Streetly cyclist, 86, in world record bid

An 86-year-old cyclist hopes to become the oldest male to complete the the Lands End to John O'Groats route.

Martin Harvey, from Streetley, is taking on the challenge alongside his two daughters, Julie Grigg and Michaela Casey, in memory of his wife Jackie.

They hope to raise £5,000 for St Giles Hospice in Whittington which cared for her before her death.

Mr Harvey said he has lower gearing which he hopes will help with the hills.

The current oldest person to cycle from Land's End to John O'Groats is Alex Menarry who was aged 85 years and 291 days when he completed the journey on 25 September 2018.

Mr Harvey said aims to complete the challenge within 14 days.

He started cycling aged 17 and in his 20s used to race, but after his wife's death got back into the sport.

"Dad found the cycling group he joined, and it has saved him," Mrs Casey said.

"He has got friends, it gives him a reason to get up in the morning, he meets people and it keeps him fit at the same time so it is a win-win."

Mr Harvey previously completed the Lands End to John O'Groats route in 2017.

Mrs Grigg said: "He has always been that healthy living and it has paid off.

"I do think his lifestyle has really contributed to his ability to be able to carry on as he has."

Mr Harvey is cycling 200 miles (321 km) a week as part of his training and will set off on Sunday.

"The thing with getting older is you do lose muscle strength and you can slow it down a bit and you can make the best use of what you have got, and that's what I do," he said.

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